On Friday, Jean Castex, the Prime Minister of France announced that the country will be shutting its international borders for travallers from outside the European Union bloc while exempting essential travel. France will also be stepping back from the third lockdown phase.  

The new travel restrictions will be put into place starting Sunday in an attempt to contain and mitigate the spread of various COVID-19 strains that have emerged around the globe. 

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The PM reaffirmed that the anticipated third lockdown will not be announced right now but will depend on the outcome of the next few days. 

President Emmanuel Macron added: “Lockdown is a legitimate question… (but) we all know the heavy impact that has on all fronts.”

In order to limit the number of COVID-19 cases, shopping centres, with an exemption to those which sell food, will be shut and the 6 pm curfew in the country will be stepped up.  

“More police and gendarmes will be mobilised to check non-compliance with the curfew, the organisation of clandestine parties and the illegal opening of restaurants.”

Moreover, all passengers inbound to France from within the EU will have to produce a negative COVID-19 test while exempting cross border workers. The requirement has additionally put travellers using roadways under the same criteria. 

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With schools and shops still open but restaurants and bars closed, France has fewer restrictions in comparison to its European neighbours.

The government, however, has been aware of growing fatigue among the civilians and alarm at the possibility of a third lockdown.