DUBLIN: France is closing the border to stop the entry of non-EU citizens into the country in a bid to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The move was announced by Prime Minister Jean Castex after an emergency health care meeting. The border control, which comes into effect on Sunday, is intended to reduce the spread of new coronavirus strains.
France is tightening restrictions in the wake of the COVID spread. As part of this, all major shopping centers will be closed from Sunday and foreign travel will be restricted.
Virus infections, hospital admissions, and deaths are on the rise in France. Many doctors are calling for a lockdown in France, as has been the case in many other European countries. However, PM Jean Castex said the current measures are an attempt to avoid a third lockdown.
More than 60% of patients are in the intensive care unit. More than 75,000 deaths have already been reported in France.
The Prime Minister has ordered the police to take strong action against those holding secret parties and operating restaurants in breach of France’s 12-hour curfew, which has been in place since October.
Restrictions in Czech Republic as well
Meanwhile, as part of the control measures, the Czech Republic will also place restrictions on all countries from today onwards. Czech Republic will ban foreigners from entering the country from today to curb the spread of COVID-19. The foreign ministry said the ban would apply to all countries.
Germany banned Ireland and other countries
Germany bans Ireland and other countries over threats of new COVID-19 strain. The ban, which takes effect today, will last until February 17. Belgium has also taken a similar step, imposing a travel ban until March 1.
In addition to travelers from Ireland, the UK, Portugal, Brazil and South Africa, as well as the southern African kingdoms of Lesotho and Eswatini were also banned. Restrictions include arrivals by air, bus, rail and sea. But several exceptions will be allowed. Germans and other nationals residing in Germany are permitted to return. There are exemptions for medical staff and for people in other key jobs.
Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said he wanted to reduce flights to Germany almost completely.
Germany said the move was necessary to protect the people of Germany and to limit the entry of new virus variants that are spreading rapidly.
At the same time, the European Union is not ready to ban travel or close national borders, despite some member states taking tougher action.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, said all non-essential travel should be strongly discouraged.
Kindly click the link below to join WhatsApp group chat to get important news and breaking news from Irish Samachar