On Monday, the French government announced new COVID-19 measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus, but stopped short of imposing severe restrictions before New Year's Eve.

Large gatherings will be limited to 2,000 people indoors and 5,000 people outside starting next week. Customers will not be permitted to stand up in bars and will be asked to sit during performances,  said French Prime Minister Jean Castex.

In cinemas, theatres, sports facilities, and public transportation, especially long-distance routes, eating and drinking will be prohibited. Employees whose jobs allow it would be required to work from home at least three days each week, he added. According to him, the new restrictions would be in effect for at least three weeks.

The decision comes after France became the first country in the pandemic to register more than 100,000 viral infections in a single day. From his vacation home in Fort de Bregancon on the French Riviera, President Emmanuel Macron had a special virus videoconference with top government officials.

The new rules are less severe than those imposed in December, when the country was subjected to a nightly curfew. Castex recommended avoiding large parties and dinners, wearing a mask, ventilating the room, and obtaining a COVID-19 test on New Year's Eve — all "common-sense steps," he added.

He confirmed that schools will resume on January 3 as planned, adding that the new laws will not hinder political demonstrations before the presidential election in April.

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