Currently, 23 French regions are on high alert for the coronavirus and are subject to stricter lockdown regulations. The number of Covid-19 infections per day remains stable, but high.
At a weekly press conference, Prime Minister Jean Castex called on the authorities in the regions concerned to take the necessary steps to promote the blockade. These measures include banning alcohol sales and closing possible meeting places.
The region of Île-de-France, covering Greater Paris, is not affected by the new lockdown rules.
The Strait of Calais area in northern France faces a weekend blockade. There are 400 confirmed cases per 100,000 inspections, and the infection rate in the Strait of Calais is almost twice the national average.
The lockdown in the region will start at 8:00 am on Saturday and end at 6:00 pm on Sunday. The French Riviera and the northern city of Dunkirk have been placed under weekend confinement.
The nightly curfew starting at 6:00 pm still exists throughout the country.