The UK COVID-19 variant has found its way across the Channel into France, where it is replicating at alarming speed. On Sunday January 24, 2021 newspaper Journal du Dimanche asked will France go into a third lock down soon. This seems probable given the likelihood the variant could ‘spiral out of control’ according to Bloomberg news channel.
But How Will a Volatile French Nation Respond
But how will a frustrated population respond to additional restrictions on top of unpopular economic policies? Anti-lock-down protests spilled over into violence during the weekend in the normally peaceful Dutch city of Eindhoven. Science does not always cut it when there’s no prospect of a job.
Blaise Robinson of Bloomberg believes a decision is imminent ‘within days’, citing unidentified people with knowledge. The third lock down could come as soon as Wednesday she says, and last at least three weeks. However, a government spokesperson took a subtly different angle on France 3 TV that night. They said the next few days of COVID would dictate the answer.
More Reasons Why France Could Go Into Third Lock Down Soon
France exceeded the threshold of three million known cases last Friday. This was despite current curbs on restaurants, cinemas, museums, and gyms, and a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. The nation’s second lockdown in late October 2020 rapidly reversed the spike.
However, the old behavior patterns are back as hospitalizations and intensive-care patients strain healthcare capacity. It therefore seems quite likely France could go into a third lock down as soon as January 27, 2021.
Interconnected Europe is taking strain beyond France and Belgium. Germany has closed its non-essential stores, and restricted movement in hot spot areas. There’s talk of the UK extending its lock down into summer, and implementing broader travel bands. Governments need the support of their people now, perhaps more than ever before.
Related
Human Behavior Behind a COVID-19 Surge
Lock down Lessons Learned from Six Countries
Previews Image: France’s Daily New Cases
