Emmanuel Macron is about to start a TV interview in which he will announce new anti Covid measures in France. A curfew in big cities including Paris? Maybe but he will probably not use that word.
"We haven't lost control but we are in a worrying situation," Macron says. "32% of intensive care beds are occupied by Covid patients..." Unlike the first wave, 2nd wave is spread all over the country. There are no unaffected areas where surplus patients can be sent.
Objective is therefore to prevent health service from being overwhelmed. "Curfews are therefore a useful tool..." people will be forbidden to leave home. from 10pm to 6am in greater Paris and string of other métro areas.
Sorry. Curfews will start at 10pm but restaurants etc will have to close at 9pm.
Finally to be clear curfews will be 9pm to 6am from Saturday in nine city areas. Paris, Marseilles, Grenoble, St Étienne, Lyon, Lille, Rouen, Toulouse and Montpellier.
We are not taking disproportionate measures, Macron says. Similar restrictions are in place or planned in all neighboring countries.
There will be state economic support for industries stricken by th curfews, especially restaurants, bars etc, Macron says.
Aim, he says, is to avoid another general lockdown. Whole country needs to "remobilise" and become more disciplined, heeding rules on masks, social distancibg and max of 6 meeting privately at one time.
Macron says the all saints holidays in November can go ahead. He is challenged on this decision. Incoherent? No, he says, so long as anti Covid rules are respected.
Macron says home working is important where possible... But can't apply to all. Maybe 2 or 3 days out of 5 to reduce crowding in public transport.
Macron challenged on failings of French trace and test system. He admits "real problems". Says France now testing more than most European countries, 1.2m tests a week. But is struggling to keep up with demand.
Macron also admits that results are very slow. But he promises a new approach. By November, he says, an innovative test will be ready which gives results in 15 minutes... Available in pharmacies. This should transform the situation.
Macron also admits that France's mobile phone tracing system has failed... Others including UK have done better. Promises a fresh approach... With new system of alert of contacts when tests prove positive.
New approach will be called Test, Alert, Protect. Macron gives no detail. That will be for a follow up press conference by PM and health minister tomorrow.
Final question... Any reason for hope? "Yes, if we are sensible, united and careful..
We will emerge from this as a stronger nation because we will be united.. We will do this together. .We can get there."
We will emerge from this as a stronger nation because we will be united.. We will do this together. .We can get there."
So... Curfews 9pm to 6am in 9 métro areas with around 20,00,000 people from Saturday. Just under one third of French population will be locked up at night for 6 weeks. What will be the penalties for breaking curfew? Can police cope, especially in the troubled areas of suburbs?
More details tomorrow. Assured enough performance by Macron but there is going to be a lot of anger. Won't be accepted as easily as the national lockdown in March.
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