Bars and Pubs in Paris Shut Down, Again, as Cases Spike

Well, here's a cautionary tale for Indian cities. Paris recently saw a spike in COVID-19 infections, mostly among youngsters. As a result, the government has banned all social gatherings and ordered the closing of bars, restaurants and clubs from today, October 6.

Health authorities have reported a spike in positive cases among people within 20-30 years of age. This has been a common element inmany metro cities around the world where youngsters have been the first ones to hit up cafes and eateries after they reopened.   

Right now, restaurants in and around Paris have been given permission to stay open only on the condition that they are able to enforce the new, stricter health safety regulations. This will involve taking the name and telephone number of diners, allowing a maximum of six people per group, and providing hand sanitisers on each table.

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Exceptions remain for theatres and cinema halls which for some reason are still being allowed to operate. Museums too will continue to remain open but sports and fitness clubs will close down. Swimming pools and sports halls will be closed to adults, but not to minors.

The measures came hours after the government announced that the Paris region was being declared an area of &ldquomaximum alert&rdquo after worsening infection rates. A host of restrictions and rules have been put in place for 15 days starting October 6. On the list of banned things are events that have more than 1,000 people (excluding staff and security), social gatherings exceeding 10 people in public places, alcohol sale and consumption after 10pm, student events and lecture halls (they can be operated only at 50% capacity).

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