French President Emmanuel Macron announced a third nationwide lockdown beginning Saturday given the coronavirus disease's surging cases (Covid-19).
The decision was taken amid heavy criticism from other European countries, which said France decided not to go under a third lockdown in early January despite being severely hit by the virus, unlike them.
The lockdown aims to stem the Covid-19 crisis and ease pressure on hospitals in hotspots that are left overwhelmed due to the new surge. In a televised address to the nation, Macron also stressed the need to vaccinate everyone faster. "We will do everything to vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate! Without rest, without holidays. Saturday and Sunday just like in the week," he said.
France on Friday reported 46,677 new cases, which were 6.2% more than a week ago, taking the total to 4.74 million cases. It also said 332 further deaths from Covid-19, taking the toll to 96,280.
