Macron to address the nation as France’s epidemic surges
The total number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care in France surged past 5,000 on Tuesday, marking an 11 month high
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.French President Emmanuel Macron has scheduled a televised address to the nation for Wednesday night, a possible sign tighter restrictions could be introduced to combat surging coronavirus hospitalisations.
Previous nationwide lockdowns in March and October of 2020 were announced by Macron in televised speeches. His office said Wednesday that Macron will address the nation at 8 p.m. (1800 GMT), without saying what he will announce.
Ahead of his weekly coronavirus strategy meeting Wednesday with ministers and aides, Macron was under intensifying pressure to close schools and further restrict people's movements to ease growing pressure on hospitals.
The total number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care in France surged past 5,000 on Tuesday, the first time in 11 months that the figure has been that high.
Short of a full lockdown, Macron is running out of alternatives to make a major dent in the renewed surge of infections that has led to growing questions about his government's virus strategies. With presidential elections scheduled for 2022, Macron is having to weigh both political and health considerations.
Read more:
- British ex-pats leaving Spain to avoid illegal immigrant status after Brexit
- Refugee children in Sweden are falling into coma-like states on learning their families will be deported
- Spanish resorts languish while Madrid hosts Europe’s parties
- Mafia fugitive caught after seven years on the run thanks to YouTube cooking show
An overnight nationwide curfew has been in place since January. In Paris and other regions where the virus is spreading rapidly, residents already also have extra restrictions on movement and nonessential stores are closed.
Schools closures were among options being considered Wednesday. They'd previously been described as a last resort by the government.
Article courtesy of AP
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments