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Coronavirus: France and Spain announce partial lockdowns Coronavirus: France and Spain announce sweeping restrictions
(about 1 hour later)
France has ordered the closure of all non-essential places used by the public from midnight (23:00 GMT Saturday) as the coronavirus outbreak spreads. Two of the EU's biggest states, France and Spain, have followed Italy in announcing emergency restrictions to combat the spread of coronavirus.
PM Edouard Philippe said the number of people in intensive care was growing and earlier guidelines for the public were being ignored. France, a country of 63.5 million, ordered the closure of all non-essential places used by the public from midnight (23:00 GMT).
Spain has confirmed a 15-day lockdown as part of emergency measures. Sweeping curbs on citizens' movements will take effect overnight in Spain, which has a population of 46.7 million.
With 191 deaths and 6,046 infections, Spain is the worst-hit country in Europe after Italy. Spain is the worst-hit country in Europe after Italy.
Rome declared a nationwide lockdown on Monday. More than 1,440 people have died in Italy. There are 191 deaths and 6,046 infections in Spain. Italy, which has recorded more than 1,440 deaths, began a nationwide lockdown on Monday.
Meanwhile the US is to extend its European coronavirus travel ban to include the UK and Republic of Ireland. The ban will begin at midnight EST on Monday (04:00 GMT Tuesday), Vice-President Mike Pence announced. The US is to extend its European coronavirus travel ban to include the UK and Republic of Ireland. The ban will begin at midnight EST on Monday (04:00 GMT Tuesday), Vice-President Mike Pence announced.
On Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Europe was now the "epicentre" of the pandemic. Its head Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged countries to use aggressive measures, community mobilisation and social distancing to save lives. On Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Europe was now the "epicentre" of the pandemic. Its head, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, urged countries to use aggressive measures, community mobilisation and social distancing to save lives.
What does the French shutdown entail? How is France shutting down?
The measure applies to restaurants, cafes, cinemas and nightclubs as well as non-essential businesses. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said the number of people in France in intensive care was growing and earlier guidelines for the public were being ignored.
It would not, Mr Philippe said, affect essential businesses which he listed as food shops, chemists, banks, tobacco shops and petrol stations. The closure applies to restaurants, cafes, cinemas and nightclubs as well as non-essential businesses.
Mr Philippe also asked people to reduce their travel, especially between towns. It will not, Mr Philippe said, affect essential businesses which he listed as food shops, chemists, banks, tobacco shops and petrol stations.
"The best way to slow down the epidemic", he said, was "social distancing". Mr Philippe also asked people to reduce their travel, especially between towns. "The best way to slow down the epidemic", he said, was "social distancing".
"I say this gravely - we must all together show greater discipline in the application of these measures," Mr Philippe added."I say this gravely - we must all together show greater discipline in the application of these measures," Mr Philippe added.
However local elections due on Sunday would also still go ahead. he said. Religious buildings would remain open but gatherings and ceremonies should be postponed. Local elections due on Sunday will still go ahead, he said. Religious buildings will remain open but gatherings and ceremonies should be postponed.
Schools in France will be closed as of Monday until further notice.
France reported a sharp rise in cases on Saturday, from 3,661 to 4,499. It recorded 12 more deaths, bringing the toll to 79.France reported a sharp rise in cases on Saturday, from 3,661 to 4,499. It recorded 12 more deaths, bringing the toll to 79.
The BBC's Paris correspondent Hugh Schofield says the measures amount to a dramatic ratcheting up of the French response reflecting growing alarm at the fast spread of the virus. The BBC's Paris correspondent, Hugh Schofield, says the measures amount to a dramatic ratcheting-up of the French response, reflecting growing alarm at the fast spread of the virus.
What is happening in Spain? How will Spain be affected?
After a lengthy meeting of the country's government cabinet, Spanish Prime minister Pedro Sánchez said a partial lockdown would be in place across the country, with the armed forces on standby to assist with relief efforts. Under a state of emergency, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is banning Spanish citizens from leaving home, except for buying essential supplies and medicines, or for work.
All shops will be forced to close, except for those selling food and other basic necessities. All museums, cultural centres and sports venues will be closed. Restaurants and cafes may only do home deliveries. Essential services like banks and petrol stations will remain open. Schools are already shut across the country.
There will also be a reduction in medium-distance rail traffic to stem the spread of people around the country, and economic measures to support businesses and workers. Mr Sánchez appealed for unity, calling on all regions to put ideological differences aside and put citizens first.
Mr Sánchez said the state of emergency could be extended with congressional approval. "I want to tell the workers, the self-employed and businesses that the government of Spain is going to do everything in its power to cushion the effects of this crisis," he said.
Authorities recorded 1,800 more cases since Friday evening - many in the capital Madrid. The state of emergency will last for two weeks - more if deemed necessary and parliament approves.
The authorities have recorded 1,800 more cases since Friday evening - many in the capital Madrid.
This will be the second state of emergency in the country since the transition to democracy began in 1975, the first being a 2010 air traffic controllers' strike.This will be the second state of emergency in the country since the transition to democracy began in 1975, the first being a 2010 air traffic controllers' strike.
In other developmentsIn other developments
Are you in France or Spain? Have you been affected by the coronavirus? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Are you in France or Spain? Have you been affected by the coronavirus? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
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