Paris: While many countries have started vaccination drive against corona, France is to close its borders to non-European Union countries for all except essential travel. The travel ban will come into force from Sunday to try to limit the spread of new variant cases of covid-19.

 French Prime Minister Jean Castex on Friday said that the nation will close its border to non- EU countries, while stepping back from a widely anticipated third lockdown. Speaking after a meeting of the country's defence council Castex said that he was not announcing a fresh national lockdown for now, adding that "the next few days will be decisive" in terms of any possible new restrictions. President Emmanuel Macron further added: "Lockdown is a legitimate question... (but) we all know the heavy impact that has on all fronts."

Under this lockdown, The big shopping centres excluding those selling food  would be closed from Sunday and enforcement of the current 6pm curfew would be stepped up. More police and gendarmes will be deployed to check non-compliance with the curfew, the organisation of clandestine parties and the illegal opening of restaurants.

Also Read: 

Turkey expects US will retort Iran nuclear deal

China derecognises British National Overseas passport, ID doc

Tracker COVID-19 Vaccine: Ukraine prohibits use of Russian C-vaccines