French Prime Minister Jean Castex said
that while the COVID-19 pandemic remains serious, he does not think another
nationwide lockdown is necessary. When new variants spread in Europe, fears are
raising in France.
Though France closed its borders with Britain in December,
the virus variant first identified in Kent, England is now responsible for a
large majority of recent virus cases around the French port city of Dunkirk. Government
gambles on balancing health and economy.
For several weeks French ministers had
suggested third nationwide lockdown was imminent because of number of positive
cases are high. But French President Emmanuel Macron's decision for not
imposing another lockdown surprised many. When people in other countries in
Europe open against lockdown restrictions, French people want 3rd
lockdown and request government to change the decision. But government has
tightened the existing measures and extended night curfew. Macron is said to be
worried about the impact of country’s economy if government decide to put
another lockdown.
Emmanuel Macron is playing political
gamble to face the elections next year. Some may fear that his political
strategy would take risk on lives of people. It is clearly visible that government
imposes strict restrictions without imposing another lockdown. In all, France
has confirmed more than 3.4 million coronavirus cases and more than 80,000
virus-related deaths. Frustration has been growing with the government’s
handling of the pandemic among the people in France.
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