The French are indifferent to the fight against Covid-19 3
A day earlier, the French government announced strict measures such as closing bars, restaurants and cinemas, after closing schools and banning large gatherings.
`The epidemic has just begun and is escalating across Europe,` Macron said, pledging to protect people’s health and finances.
According to NY Times commentator Adam Nossiter, the French government’s message to the people does not hide or exaggerate the actual situation of Covid-19.
People gathered near the Louvre museum in Paris, France on March 15.
After the travel restriction order was issued, the giant outdoor market in Bastille Square, located in the heart of Paris, was still bustling with shoppers and shops still displayed a variety of items such as oysters, fish, meat,
Commentator Nossiter said that France has a separate `version` of lockdown, where most shops and entertainment venues are closed, but churches and food markets are not subject to blockade.
At Bastille Square, people gathered in large numbers in the narrow spaces between stalls.
`Everyone dies,` a salesman named Raymond Bouclet shrugged.
Meanwhile, some people question the shortcomings of the government’s blockade, even as they benefit from it.
This graphic designer also expressed support for restrictions to prevent the epidemic.
Others believe it is necessary to maintain markets because they are safer than closed shops.
At a bakery near Nation Square in eastern Paris, several dozen customers were crowded together, not following any distance rules.
Despite the epidemic situation, local elections nationwide on March 15 still took place.
At a polling station in Paris, voters lined up in a school yard, keeping a distance of one meter, while staff there wore masks and rubber gloves.
`I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s unbelievable,` said Frederique Bach, a 33-year-old social worker.
Just one day later, France recorded another 1,200 cases of nCoV infection, bringing the total number of infected people in the country to more than 6,600, ranking fourth in Europe.
Macron explained that the new travel restrictions were necessary after people still went out freely despite warnings over the weekend.
`Even as experts are warning about the severity of the situation, we still see people gathering in parks and shopping malls, while busy restaurants and bars do not respect closure orders.`
The blockade means many people will have no income.
Alexandre Piel, a waiter in a restaurant in eastern Paris, said he needed the money from his part-time job to pay for tuition and daily expenses.
`We will obviously suffer losses,` Piel added.
