France impose curfews on major cities including Paris as state of emergency is declared

The French government has declared a public health state of emergency due to the Covid-19 pandemic – and has imposed curfews on several major cities.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday evening that curfews will be in place in eight major cities – including Paris, Marseille, Grenoble, Lille, Lyon and Toulouse.

The restrictions will be in place from 9pm to 6am local and is to last for four weeks.

It comes as France re-imposes a state of health emergency to contain the spread of Covid-19.

The French government has declared a public health state of emergency, starting from midnight on Friday.

Health authorities say the number of people being treated in hospital has risen above 9,100 for the first time since June 25.

The French government fear the growing number of Covid cases could overwhelm the country's hospital system.

Macron said during the curfew, people will not be allowed to visit friends.

All bars, restaurants and theatres will be told to close during curfew, he added.

Macron said that anyone violating the curfew would be fined 135 euros.

Schools are to remain open.

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