French president announces a 15-day lockdown to fight coronavirus

French president, Emmanuel Macron, on Monday has announced the country would enact a 15-day lockdown amid coronavirus pandemic.

The new orders prohibit France’s residents from leaving their homes unless absolutely necessary.

‘We are at war,’ says France’s Macron announcing a 15-day lockdown to fight coronavirus

Any public gatherings, including activities such as walks outside, are banned starting midday Tuesday and for 15 days after, Macron said.

French residents not to leave their homes or meet with other people unless absolutely necessary.

As of Monday, over 5,400 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in France. While the death toll reached 127.

People unable to work from home or those seeking medical care will be allowed to go outside, Macron added, but others will be required to stay inside their homes.

The French President also told the residents to take public transit only if absolutely necessary and to buy only essential groceries.

He also warned that the people who violate the lockdown will be punished, and added that details of the shutdown would be given to the public following his address.

Macron also added that travel between the European Union and non-EU countries would be restricted for 30 days starting Tuesday at noon.

French citizens will be exempt and should contact their local embassies if they are abroad and want to return home, he also added.

This weekend, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe had ordered to close all non-indispensable locations, notably cafés, restaurants, cinemas, nightclubs, and shops, to limit the public’s movement.