French Prime Minister Jean Castex stated on Thursday that the nationwide lockdown will be replaced on December 15 with a system of curfews, APA reports citing Teletrader.
At the end of January, "we could consider lifting the curfew and start resuming activities" in restaurants, schools and universities, he said at a press conference, adding that working from home will still be imposed wherever possible.
Castex confirmed President Emmanuel Macron's earlier remarks that shops will be able to open starting from Saturday under a "reinforced sanitary protocol." Bars and restaurants will stay closed until January 20, the prime minister added, calling the decision "difficult but necessary."