Prime Minister Jean Castex has hosted a new press brief this December 10, 2020. Confirming curfew will be implemented from December 15, it will be toughened up and start from 8 p.m. - instead of 9 p.m. as the government first considered. Another announcement? This curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. will also be applied to December 31, 2020. New Year's Eve "has all the ingredients for epidemic resurgence", Jean Castex explained. People will have to stay home on December 31 and "comply with the 6-adult-rule" he said.
Yet, the head of government confirmed curfew will be lifted on December 24 for Christmas Eve. "Christmas has a special part in our lives and traditions, where are created many major memories for children" Jean Castex said. Therefore, "we then allow trips on December 24 as long as rules are followed: no more than 6 adults at the same time; limited interactions maximum in the 5 days before Christmas Eve" he added.
Back to this Tuesday, Health Minister Olivier Véran tried to remain cautious as for New Year’s Eve. “Everything can change, evolve depending on the epidemic data […] Christmas is not New Year’s Eve, we have to be more cautious. New Year’s Eve does not have the same cultural reach in our country. Unlike Christmas, New Year’s Eve is not about being with your family, but for parties” he explained this December 8 on LCI.
As for head of infectious disease unit at the Tenon hospital in Paris, professor Gilles Pialoux he said the French shall forget about celebrating the new year. "Forget about the 31st!" he said this December 10 on BFMTV. He thinks this is a necessary decision "to save 2021".
