On maximum alert, Paris tightens anti-coronavirus measures

Paris is placed on maximum COVID-19 alert on Monday, forcing bars, swimming pools and sports centers to shut down for two weeks, while restaurants have to put in place tougher sanitary rules to stay open, Prefect of the Paris Police Didier Lallement said.

“This morning, we are taking a new step (…) The epidemic is circulating too fast. We must brake it now before the healthcare system is overwhelmed,” Lallement told reporters.

With no improvement in sanitary indicators in the capital and surrounding areas, bars would close from Tuesday, the Paris prefect announced.

He added

restaurants would be allowed to stay open, provided they respect stricter rules, including registration of all guests on a track and trace system, maintaining social distancing and shutting down at 10 p.m. at the latest.

Gyms and swimming pools would be closed, except for schools activities. Entertainment facilities including circus, dance clubs, trade shows are banned.

Meanwhile, theatres, cinemas and museums will remain open, provided they strictly apply the health protocols already in place. All outdoor facilities, such as stadiums, may remain open for less than 1,000 people.

Universities in Paris and three surrounding departments would halve capacity of their lecture halls, while online courses would be developed.

Reinforced restrictions would be imposed for the next two weeks, Lallement noted, adding that the authorities would decide whether to extend these rules following an assessment of sanitary indicators on Oct. 20.

“We are constantly adapting to the reality of this epidemic, the reality of the virus, and we must continually find a balance between the health of our fellow citizens and the reality and necessity of economic and social life,” he said.