Lawmakers from France's upper and lower houses of parliament were on Sunday seeking to agree a deal to allow the adoption of legislation making vaccine passports vital for French daily life in the battle against Covid-19.

The talks between members of the National Assembly and Senate come a day after France was again shaken by nationwide protests against the rules that saw over 160,000 rally and dozens arrested.

President Emmanuel Macron last week ordered that the health pass — proof of full vaccination or a negative test — would be required for the French to visit venues such as a cinema or nightclub and ultimately bars and restaurants.

The announcement was a move by Macron to make vaccinations the top weapon against Covid-19 as new variants emerge, essentially requiring people to become vaccinated if they want to continue daily routines.

But it has encountered fierce opposition from some who believe the vaccine passports erode civil liberties, while the ruling party has faced a tough task pushing the legislation through parliament.

While pro-Macron MPs control the lower house National Assembly the upper house Senate is dominated by the opposition right.

The Senate approved the legislation overnight by 199 votes to 123 but added numerous amendments that the government fears risk limiting the impact of the rules.

The two sides were Sunday afternoon holding talks at a parliamentary commission to find a compromise, with the government hoping an agreement can be found for its definitive adoption later Sunday.

In an extra step requested by Prime Minister Jean Castex, the legislation then needs to be approved by France's highest administrative authority, the Constitutional Council, before becoming law.

'Irresponsibility and egoism'

Some 161,000 people, including 11,000 in Paris had protested on Saturday against the health pass, with demonstrators brandishing slogans including "freedom is being trampled on".

Seventy one people were arrested, including 24 in Paris, and 29 members of the security forces were injured, the ministry of the interior said.

On a visit to France's Pacific territory of French Polynesia, Macron scoffed at how slogans of freedom were being brandished at the protests.

"Everyone is free to express themselves calmly with respect for the other," he said. "But freedom where I owe nothing to someone else does not exist".

He said that under such logic, relatives could be infected by someone who is not vaccinated "when there is the chance to have something that protects", or the person could themselves end up in hospital.

"I don't call this freedom, I call this irresponsibility and egoism," he said.

By maximising the number of vaccinations, the government wants to minimise the impact of the virus' fourth wave. Some 40 million people should have received at least one jab by Monday.

Against a background of rising cases fuelled by the Delta variant, the French Mediterranean department of Alpes-Maritimes that includes the resorts of Cannes and Nice said it was reimposing an obligation to wear facemasks outside and was banning alcohol consumption in public spaces like beaches.

As well as making vaccinations obligatory for healthworkers and carers, the new legislation would make a health pass compulsory from August for travel in planes and inter-city trains and also just to visit a cafe or restaurant.

After Macron's announcement, the health pass is already compulsory for cinemas, museums and any venue gathering more than 50 people.

The Senate wants the legislation to take more note of civil liberties by exempting shopping centres, cafe terraces and minors from the rules.

France recorded almost 23,000 new Covid cases on Saturday, twice as many as last week, as the Delta variant causes infections to surge.

But in figures the government credits to the success of the vaccination rollout, there are 878 people in intensive care with Covid, compared with a peak of almost 6,000 at the end of April.

Lawmakers from France's upper and lower houses of parliament were on Sunday seeking to agree a deal to allow the adoption of legislation making vaccine passports vital for French daily life in the battle against Covid-19.

Lawmakers from France's upper and lower houses of parliament were on Sunday seeking to agree a deal to allow the adoption of legislation making vaccine passports vital for French daily life in the battle against Covid-19. The talks between members of the National Assembly and Senate come a day after France was again shaken by nationwide protests against the rules that saw over 160,000 rally and dozens arrested. President Emmanuel Macron last week ordered that the health pass — proof of full vaccination or a negative test — would be required for the French to visit venues such as a cinema or nightclub and ultimately bars and restaurants. The announcement was a move by Macron to make vaccinations the top weapon against Covid-19 as new variants emerge, essentially requiring people to become vaccinated if they want to continue daily routines. But it has encountered fierce opposition from some who believe the vaccine passports erode civil liberties, while the ruling party has faced a tough task pushing the legislation through parliament. While pro-Macron MPs control the lower house National Assembly the upper house Senate is dominated by the opposition right. The Senate approved the legislation overnight by 199 votes to 123 but added numerous amendments that the government fears risk limiting the impact of the rules. The two sides were Sunday afternoon holding talks at a parliamentary commission to find a compromise, with the government hoping an agreement can be found for its definitive adoption later Sunday. In an extra step requested by Prime Minister Jean Castex, the legislation then needs to be approved by France's highest administrative authority, the Constitutional Council, before becoming law. 'Irresponsibility and egoism' Some 161,000 people, including 11,000 in Paris had protested on Saturday against the health pass, with demonstrators brandishing slogans including "freedom is being trampled on". Seventy one people were arrested, including 24 in Paris, and 29 members of the security forces were injured, the ministry of the interior said. On a visit to France's Pacific territory of French Polynesia, Macron scoffed at how slogans of freedom were being brandished at the protests. "Everyone is free to express themselves calmly with respect for the other," he said. "But freedom where I owe nothing to someone else does not exist". He said that under such logic, relatives could be infected by someone who is not vaccinated "when there is the chance to have something that protects", or the person could themselves end up in hospital. "I don't call this freedom, I call this irresponsibility and egoism," he said. By maximising the number of vaccinations, the government wants to minimise the impact of the virus' fourth wave. Some 40 million people should have received at least one jab by Monday. Against a background of rising cases fuelled by the Delta variant, the French Mediterranean department of Alpes-Maritimes that includes the resorts of Cannes and Nice said it was reimposing an obligation to wear facemasks outside and was banning alcohol consumption in public spaces like beaches. As well as making vaccinations obligatory for healthworkers and carers, the new legislation would make a health pass compulsory from August for travel in planes and inter-city trains and also just to visit a cafe or restaurant. After Macron's announcement, the health pass is already compulsory for cinemas, museums and any venue gathering more than 50 people. The Senate wants the legislation to take more note of civil liberties by exempting shopping centres, cafe terraces and minors from the rules. France recorded almost 23,000 new Covid cases on Saturday, twice as many as last week, as the Delta variant causes infections to surge. But in figures the government credits to the success of the vaccination rollout, there are 878 people in intensive care with Covid, compared with a peak of almost 6,000 at the end of April.

French lawmakers seek deal on vaccine passports after protests

As Britain removed major coronavirus restrictions&nbsp;on Monday, the country reported 46,558 new cases of COVID-19 cases with cases rising over a seven day period by over 40 per cent.

French health minister Olivier Veran said the coronavirus cases had surged by "150 per cent over a week" while adding that it never rose so fast in with the Alpha variant, Beta nor Gamma variants.

Veran targeted &nbsp;40 million people to receive the vaccine by the end of the month as the virus continued to spread in the country.

"I had spoken of the risk of reaching 15,000 to 20,000 cases per day at the end of the month of July, yesterday(Monday) there were 18,000 new infections in only 24 hours," the health minister said, adding, "We have never seen this before."

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-govt-will-see-an-increase-in-covid-19-deaths-in-coming-weeks-399178/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Sunday, France had reported 12,500 new coronavirus cases with the total COVID-19&nbsp;cases rising to 5.87 million as protesters took to the streets against President Macron's plans to make vaccination mandatory for&nbsp;health workers and COVID-19 free certificate requirement proposal to enter restaurants.

The country has been hit hard due to the Delta variant which authorities said was more contagious than the previous strains even as vaccination has picked up in the country.

France has vaccinated over 55 per cent of the population with a single dose with over 44 per cent fully protected as unvaccinated travellers entering the country were put under restrictions.

Citizens from UK, Portugal, Cyprus, Netherlands, Greece and Spain were required to present negative COVID-19 tests 24 hours before arriving in the country.&nbsp;

The authorities have imposed even stricter measures for "red list" countries with people belonging to Cuba, Indonesia, Mozambique, Tunisia and other countries required to quarantine for 10 days after arrival including a test result to show negative COVID-19 test result.

Meanwhile, Britain imposed a 10-day quarantine for people returning from France due to the Beta coronavirus variant.

Another European nation Spain which was hit hard due to the virus reported over 61,628 fresh coronavirus cases as visitors flocked to the country's beaches.

Germany and France have advised citizens against travelling to Spain with some regions reimposing curfew as the rolling 14-day infection rate rose to 600 per 100,000 people on Monday.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As Britain removed major coronavirus restrictions on Monday, the country reported 46,558 new cases of COVID-19 cases with cases rising over a seven day period by over 40 per cent.

As Britain removed major coronavirus restrictions on Monday, the country reported 46,558 new cases of COVID-19 cases with cases rising over a seven day period by over 40 per cent. French health minister Olivier Veran said the coronavirus cases had surged by "150 per cent over a week" while adding that it never rose so fast in with the Alpha variant, Beta nor Gamma variants. Veran targeted 40 million people to receive the vaccine by the end of the month as the virus continued to spread in the country. "I had spoken of the risk of reaching 15,000 to 20,000 cases per day at the end of the month of July, yesterday(Monday) there were 18,000 new infections in only 24 hours," the health minister said, adding, "We have never seen this before." Watch: On Sunday, France had reported 12,500 new coronavirus cases with the total COVID-19 cases rising to 5.87 million as protesters took to the streets against President Macron's plans to make vaccination mandatory for health workers and COVID-19 free certificate requirement proposal to enter restaurants. The country has been hit hard due to the Delta variant which authorities said was more contagious than the previous strains even as vaccination has picked up in the country. France has vaccinated over 55 per cent of the population with a single dose with over 44 per cent fully protected as unvaccinated travellers entering the country were put under restrictions. Citizens from UK, Portugal, Cyprus, Netherlands, Greece and Spain were required to present negative COVID-19 tests 24 hours before arriving in the country. The authorities have imposed even stricter measures for "red list" countries with people belonging to Cuba, Indonesia, Mozambique, Tunisia and other countries required to quarantine for 10 days after arrival including a test result to show negative COVID-19 test result. Meanwhile, Britain imposed a 10-day quarantine for people returning from France due to the Beta coronavirus variant. Another European nation Spain which was hit hard due to the virus reported over 61,628 fresh coronavirus cases as visitors flocked to the country's beaches. Germany and France have advised citizens against travelling to Spain with some regions reimposing curfew as the rolling 14-day infection rate rose to 600 per 100,000 people on Monday. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Never seen this before': Britain, France & Spain witness surge in COVID-19 cases

Along with some more European countries, France has also decided to allow travellers who have been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a> with the India-made <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus vaccine</a>, Covishield.

While the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has not yet recognised AstraZeneca’s Covishield for the 'Green Pass'. However, several European countries have now allowed travellers who have been vaccinated with Covishield to enter the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beta-variant-can-evade-covid-vaccines-uk-scientist-claims-398709">Beta variant can evade Covid vaccines, UK scientist claims</a>

France has accepted the vaccine "because the vaccines are effective against the virus, and in particular its variant Delta, the constraints weighing on travellers benefiting from a complete vaccination schedule with a vaccine recognised by the European Medicines Agency (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca or Janssen) will be raised from this Saturday, July 17, regardless of the country of origin," French Prime Minister Jean Castex said in a statement.

Other countries that have accepted Serum Institute India’s Covishield vaccine are Belgium, Austria, Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Iceland.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnsons-unlocking-plan-is-threat-to-world-1200-scientists-warn-398688">Boris Johnson's unlocking plan is threat to world, 1,200 scientists warn</a>

As of now, the EMA has approves Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccines for 'Green Pass'.

This has come at a time when travellers from France have been asked to self-isolate while entering the UK even if they have been fully vaccinated. It has been announced as scientific experts are raising alarms against the emergence of the Beta variant, which is widely spreading in France.

Along with some more European countries, France has also decided to allow travellers who have been vaccinated with the India-made coronavirus vaccine, Covishield.

Along with some more European countries, France has also decided to allow travellers who have been vaccinated with the India-made coronavirus vaccine, Covishield. While the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has not yet recognised AstraZeneca’s Covishield for the 'Green Pass'. However, several European countries have now allowed travellers who have been vaccinated with Covishield to enter the country. Also read | Beta variant can evade Covid vaccines, UK scientist claims France has accepted the vaccine "because the vaccines are effective against the virus, and in particular its variant Delta, the constraints weighing on travellers benefiting from a complete vaccination schedule with a vaccine recognised by the European Medicines Agency (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca or Janssen) will be raised from this Saturday, July 17, regardless of the country of origin," French Prime Minister Jean Castex said in a statement. Other countries that have accepted Serum Institute India’s Covishield vaccine are Belgium, Austria, Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Iceland. Also read | Boris Johnson's unlocking plan is threat to world, 1,200 scientists warn As of now, the EMA has approves Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines for 'Green Pass'. This has come at a time when travellers from France have been asked to self-isolate while entering the UK even if they have been fully vaccinated. It has been announced as scientific experts are raising alarms against the emergence of the Beta variant, which is widely spreading in France.

France allows travellers vaccinated with Covishield to enter country

French government's scientific adviser said on Wednesday that the country could face a fourth wave due to a surge in cases caused by the Delta variant.

Professor Arnaud Fontanet said effort is being made to "make sure that this fourth wave does not add pressure on hospitals and lead to severe complications and deaths" while asserting the importance of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-vaccination-france-drops-wearing-masks-outdoors-392204">vaccinations</a>.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-update-rise-in-hospitalisation-amid-delta-variant-spread-394918/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The government's scientific adviser warned that the Delta variant is more "transmissible" and "contagious". &nbsp;

"It is also, like the English variant more likely to cause severe forms. So infected people are more at risk to be hospitalised," Fontanet added.

Several virus clusters have reportedly been found in business areas and retirement homes as the French government moved not to limit events to 1,000 people, however, people would have to show proof of vaccination.

Sporting events have also been exempted with the 5,000 people limit taken off, but the government said there would be a cap on the summer music festivals which attract huge crowds.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/france-actively-working-on-indias-concerns-over-covishields-absence-from-eu-green-pass-394701">France</a> is set to reopen nightclubs on July 9 even as face masks remain mandatory in public places indoors and in crowds outdoors.

The country has been reporting over 1,800 infections per day as Fontanet asserted that "two doses of the vaccine can prevent 95 per cent of hospitalisations".

France has witnessed 111,086 fatalities due to the virus with over 5.8 million coronavirus cases.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

French government's scientific adviser said on Wednesday that the country could face a fourth wave due to a surge in cases caused by the Delta variant. Professor Arnaud Fontanet said effort is being made to "make sure that this fourth wave does not add pressure on hospitals and lead to severe complications and deaths" while asserting the importance of vaccinations.

French government's scientific adviser said on Wednesday that the country could face a fourth wave due to a surge in cases caused by the Delta variant. Professor Arnaud Fontanet said effort is being made to "make sure that this fourth wave does not add pressure on hospitals and lead to severe complications and deaths" while asserting the importance of vaccinations. Watch: The government's scientific adviser warned that the Delta variant is more "transmissible" and "contagious". "It is also, like the English variant more likely to cause severe forms. So infected people are more at risk to be hospitalised," Fontanet added. Several virus clusters have reportedly been found in business areas and retirement homes as the French government moved not to limit events to 1,000 people, however, people would have to show proof of vaccination. Sporting events have also been exempted with the 5,000 people limit taken off, but the government said there would be a cap on the summer music festivals which attract huge crowds. France is set to reopen nightclubs on July 9 even as face masks remain mandatory in public places indoors and in crowds outdoors. The country has been reporting over 1,800 infections per day as Fontanet asserted that "two doses of the vaccine can prevent 95 per cent of hospitalisations". France has witnessed 111,086 fatalities due to the virus with over 5.8 million coronavirus cases. (With inputs from Agencies)

France could face COVID-19 fourth wave amid surge in Delta variant, says government scientific adviser

Amid large scale vaccination, the French government announced wearing face masks outdoor will be dropped with nighttime curfew to end on Sunday.

France had earlier set the deadline for ending night curfew to June 30 but brought it forward amid declining virus rates and success in vaccination.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-set-to-add-united-states-to-safe-travel-list-391995/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the French health ministry, 60 per cent French citizens have received at least one dose of the vaccine.&nbsp;

However, health minister Olivier Veran said on Thursday that health workers&nbsp;were&nbsp;lagging behind in vaccination and warned that it may be made mandatory as they are in contact with vulnerable populations, especially in care homes.

Veran added that government plans to allow nightclubs to reopen next month. President Emmanuel Macron had said earlier that the decision on nightclubs will be made on June 21.

France had&nbsp;permanently closed the nightclubs when the pandemic hit last year. The third lockdown was eased last month with restaurants and bars allowed to serve indoor for the first time in seven months.

Despite lifting the mask ban, France reported over 3,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/regeneron-covid-19-therapy-cuts-deaths-among-hospitalised-patients-who-lack-antibodies-study-391885">COVID-19</a> cases on Wednesday but is projected to fall by month-end, according to health authorities.

Reports say the government has made exceptions for the masks especially in crowded shopping areas. &nbsp;

Amid the reopening, Disneyland Paris reopened on Thursday with visitors over six years asked to wear masks including obsevering&nbsp;social distancing measures.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid large scale vaccination, the French government announced wearing face masks outdoor will be dropped with nighttime curfew to end on Sunday. France had earlier set the deadline for ending night curfew to June 30 but brought it forward amid declining virus rates and success in vaccination.

Amid large scale vaccination, the French government announced wearing face masks outdoor will be dropped with nighttime curfew to end on Sunday. France had earlier set the deadline for ending night curfew to June 30 but brought it forward amid declining virus rates and success in vaccination. Watch: According to the French health ministry, 60 per cent French citizens have received at least one dose of the vaccine. However, health minister Olivier Veran said on Thursday that health workers were lagging behind in vaccination and warned that it may be made mandatory as they are in contact with vulnerable populations, especially in care homes. Veran added that government plans to allow nightclubs to reopen next month. President Emmanuel Macron had said earlier that the decision on nightclubs will be made on June 21. France had permanently closed the nightclubs when the pandemic hit last year. The third lockdown was eased last month with restaurants and bars allowed to serve indoor for the first time in seven months. Despite lifting the mask ban, France reported over 3,000 COVID-19 cases on Wednesday but is projected to fall by month-end, according to health authorities. Reports say the government has made exceptions for the masks especially in crowded shopping areas. Amid the reopening, Disneyland Paris reopened on Thursday with visitors over six years asked to wear masks including obsevering social distancing measures. (With inputs from Agencies)

Amid vaccination, France drops wearing masks outdoors

French authorities on Wednesday allowed restaurants and cafes to serve indoors as President Macron hailed the move as a "new step".

"Life will resume across our lands," Macron said as the government hopes&nbsp;to drop night curfew by the end of the month although wearing masks will remain in place.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-12-to-18-year-olds-to-be-vaccinated-from-june-15-389223/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Authorities also allowed gyms to reopen. However, the threat of the virus remains as the country reported over 6,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-coronavirus-surge-vietnam-government-urges-donations-for-vaccine-fund-390156">COVID-19</a> cases on Tuesday but the number of hospitalisations remained in control.

The hospitality industry has been the worst hit in France with months of lockdown and&nbsp;staff on furlough, however, Macron has assured the ailing sector that vacancies will be filled up quickly.

France has been hit badly with the virus since it hit the country last year with&nbsp;over 5.7 coronavirus cases and over 110, 290 fatalities. 
&nbsp; 
The government has announced a colour-coded map as part of entry protocol into the country with restrictions lifted for<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-lawmakers-ok-virus-pass-boosting-summer-travel-hopes-390322"> EU</a> nations and "green" countries namely <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-singapore-finds-delta-most-prevalent-among-coronavirus-variants-locally-390316">Singapore</a>, New Zealand, Israel, Australia among others.

Visitors arriving in the country without vaccination have been designated in the "orange" zone with strict seven-day self-quarantine. The&nbsp;incoming tourists will be allowed to enter only if it is an essential visit, the government said.

"If you come from a green country and you are vaccinated, you are welcome to come and enjoy France. If you are not vaccinated, you will need a recent negative test to enter French territory, European affairs minister Clement Beaune had said earlier.

The government said that French citizens would also have to take the test when they enter the country.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

French authorities on Wednesday allowed restaurants and cafes to serve indoors as President Macron hailed the move as a "new step". "Life will resume across our lands," Macron said as the government hopes to drop night curfew by the end of the month although wearing masks will remain in place.

French authorities on Wednesday allowed restaurants and cafes to serve indoors as President Macron hailed the move as a "new step". "Life will resume across our lands," Macron said as the government hopes to drop night curfew by the end of the month although wearing masks will remain in place. Watch: Authorities also allowed gyms to reopen. However, the threat of the virus remains as the country reported over 6,000 COVID-19 cases on Tuesday but the number of hospitalisations remained in control. The hospitality industry has been the worst hit in France with months of lockdown and staff on furlough, however, Macron has assured the ailing sector that vacancies will be filled up quickly. France has been hit badly with the virus since it hit the country last year with over 5.7 coronavirus cases and over 110, 290 fatalities. The government has announced a colour-coded map as part of entry protocol into the country with restrictions lifted for EU nations and "green" countries namely Singapore, New Zealand, Israel, Australia among others. Visitors arriving in the country without vaccination have been designated in the "orange" zone with strict seven-day self-quarantine. The incoming tourists will be allowed to enter only if it is an essential visit, the government said. "If you come from a green country and you are vaccinated, you are welcome to come and enjoy France. If you are not vaccinated, you will need a recent negative test to enter French territory, European affairs minister Clement Beaune had said earlier. The government said that French citizens would also have to take the test when they enter the country. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Life will resume': France lifts more Covid curbs, allows indoor dining

Amid large scale vaccination, Britain on Tuesday recorded no new deaths for the first time since July last year.

As the virus numbers continued to decline in Europe, Germany's Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases downgraded the country's COVID-19 risk status from "very high" to "high".

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-focus-should-be-on-increasing-vaccine-production-says-eu-388821/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, Germany's health minister Jens Spahn cautioned that the country is "still in the middle of a pandemic" while promising to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-19-800000-doses-of-chinese-vaccine-arrive-in-nepal-388808">vaccinate</a> 80 to 90 per cent people who need the jab.

Reports say at least 18 per cent of the German population have been completely vaccinated, however, according to health officials, at least 80 per cent citizens need to get the jab for restrictions to be lifted.

On Tuesday, Germany reported 1,785 new COVID-19 cases and 153 deaths even as Chancellor Angela Merkel said vaccines will be offered to children over the age of 12 with<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-sinopharm-who-grants-emergency-authorisation-to-chinas-sinovac-vaccine-388831"> vaccines </a>available to teenagers aged 16 and over from June 7.

Meanwhile, France began vaccinating its adult population on Monday which was earlier restricted to people over 50, health officials and younger adults.

The death toll in France due to the virus has reached 109,690 with over 5.7 million infected cases since last year.

"Like Brigitte and I, like 25 million French people have already done, let's get vaccinated! To protect ourselves, to protect our loved ones," Macron said in a tweet.

Britain and France have imposed fresh restrictions on travellers from the UK over the Delta virus strain. The UK has over COVID-19 cases with 127,782 which is the fifth-highest in the world.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid large scale vaccination, Britain on Tuesday recorded no new deaths for the first time since July last year. As the virus numbers continued to decline in Europe, Germany's Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases downgraded the country's COVID-19 risk status from "very high" to "high".

Amid large scale vaccination, Britain on Tuesday recorded no new deaths for the first time since July last year. As the virus numbers continued to decline in Europe, Germany's Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases downgraded the country's COVID-19 risk status from "very high" to "high". Watch: However, Germany's health minister Jens Spahn cautioned that the country is "still in the middle of a pandemic" while promising to vaccinate 80 to 90 per cent people who need the jab. Reports say at least 18 per cent of the German population have been completely vaccinated, however, according to health officials, at least 80 per cent citizens need to get the jab for restrictions to be lifted. On Tuesday, Germany reported 1,785 new COVID-19 cases and 153 deaths even as Chancellor Angela Merkel said vaccines will be offered to children over the age of 12 with vaccines available to teenagers aged 16 and over from June 7. Meanwhile, France began vaccinating its adult population on Monday which was earlier restricted to people over 50, health officials and younger adults. The death toll in France due to the virus has reached 109,690 with over 5.7 million infected cases since last year. "Like Brigitte and I, like 25 million French people have already done, let's get vaccinated! To protect ourselves, to protect our loved ones," Macron said in a tweet. Britain and France have imposed fresh restrictions on travellers from the UK over the Delta virus strain. The UK has over COVID-19 cases with 127,782 which is the fifth-highest in the world. (With inputs from Agencies)

COVID-19 in Europe: Britain records zero deaths; Germany, France ramp up vaccination

France is re-introducing tighter rules on arrivals from UK who are not French residents to curb the spread of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a>, notably its Indian variant, the foreign ministry said on Thursday.

Britons and other non-EU arrivals will again have to prove that they have a "compelling reason" to enter France, it said.

The ministry did not define "compelling", but the government has previously said that family, health or professional reasons could be acceptable.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-quarters-of-new-covid-infections-in-uk-due-to-b16172-variant-of-concern-health-minister-387920" hreflang="en">Three quarters of new Covid infections in UK due to B.1.617.2 'variant of concern': Health minister</a>

France had relaxed that requirement in March for the United Kingdom, as well as a number of other non-members of the EU, which Britain left last year.

But again from Monday "compelling reasons will be required for non-EU foreigners who are not residents in France and who come to France from the United Kingdom", the ministry said in a statement.

It said in addition those visitors would have to self-isolate for seven days on arrival.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-to-vaccinate-children-over-12-from-june-7-387996" hreflang="en">Germany to vaccinate children over 12 from June 7</a>

The ministry added, however, that, for now, there would be "no systematic checks" to ensure compliance with the requirement, "given the low incidence of Covid in Britain".

Visitors from Britain will still need a PCR or antigen test less than 48 hours old to be allowed into the country.

The French move comes after Germany said that travellers arriving there from the UK have to submit to a quarantine period of two weeks, regardless of whether they can provide a negative test result for the virus.

A French quarantine order is already in place for arrivals from Brazil, India, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, Colombia, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Bahrain, Turkey, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

Police are authorised to carry out random spot checks to ensure that quarantine rules are respected, with non-compliance punished with fines of up to 1,500 euros ($1,800).

The coronavirus variant first detected in India has now been officially recorded in 53 territories, a World Health Organization report showed Wednesday.

France is re-introducing tighter rules on arrivals from UK who are not French residents to curb the spread of Covid, notably its Indian variant, the foreign ministry said on Thursday.

France is re-introducing tighter rules on arrivals from UK who are not French residents to curb the spread of Covid, notably its Indian variant, the foreign ministry said on Thursday. Britons and other non-EU arrivals will again have to prove that they have a "compelling reason" to enter France, it said. The ministry did not define "compelling", but the government has previously said that family, health or professional reasons could be acceptable. Also read | Three quarters of new Covid infections in UK due to B.1.617.2 'variant of concern': Health minister France had relaxed that requirement in March for the United Kingdom, as well as a number of other non-members of the EU, which Britain left last year. But again from Monday "compelling reasons will be required for non-EU foreigners who are not residents in France and who come to France from the United Kingdom", the ministry said in a statement. It said in addition those visitors would have to self-isolate for seven days on arrival. Also read | Germany to vaccinate children over 12 from June 7 The ministry added, however, that, for now, there would be "no systematic checks" to ensure compliance with the requirement, "given the low incidence of Covid in Britain". Visitors from Britain will still need a PCR or antigen test less than 48 hours old to be allowed into the country. The French move comes after Germany said that travellers arriving there from the UK have to submit to a quarantine period of two weeks, regardless of whether they can provide a negative test result for the virus. A French quarantine order is already in place for arrivals from Brazil, India, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, Colombia, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Bahrain, Turkey, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Police are authorised to carry out random spot checks to ensure that quarantine rules are respected, with non-compliance punished with fines of up to 1,500 euros ($1,800). The coronavirus variant first detected in India has now been officially recorded in 53 territories, a World Health Organization report showed Wednesday.

France reimposes strict Covid curbs on travel from UK

France is set to reopen outdoor bars and restaurants from May 19 amid declining <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-scientists-discussed-weaponising-sars-coronaviruses-5-years-back-report-384003">coronavirus</a> cases.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-decides-to-not-renew-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-order-383976/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

President Emmanuel Macron had earlier declared that authorities will lower the age of those eligible for COVID-19 vaccines aged 50 and over.

At least 16,763,053 citizens have already received at least one <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccine-tourists-fly-in-from-abroad-for-injections-on-us-beach-383958">dose</a> of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-warns-of-vaccine-apartheid-if-rich-countries-hog-shots-384074">vaccine</a> which is over 31 per cent of the population.

The number of patients in intensive care has also dropped giving authorities hope that they can slowly reopen the economy.

Health minister Olivier Veran however warned that France must not "let down the guard" as it looks to reopen bars as reports said restaurants and cafés can admit up to six customers per table.

Reports say France is also set to allow foreign tourists from June 9 provided they have a vaccination certificate or PCR test.

The country's authorities also propose to lift night curfew from June 30 if the virus cases remain low, even though night clubs will reportedly stay closed.

France had earlier announced mandatory ten-day quarantine for arrivals from seven additional countries including&nbsp;Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-detects-covid-19-variants-first-found-in-india-uk-384042">India</a> was put in the list earlier after a surge in virus cases in the country including Turkey, Argentina, Chile and South Africa.

France has a total of 5.8 million coronavirus cases since the pandemic began last year with 106,553 casualties so far.

France is set to reopen outdoor bars and restaurants from May 19 amid declining coronavirus cases. Watch: President Emmanuel Macron had earlier declared that authorities will lower the age of those eligible for COVID-19 vaccines aged 50 and over.

France is set to reopen outdoor bars and restaurants from May 19 amid declining coronavirus cases. Watch: President Emmanuel Macron had earlier declared that authorities will lower the age of those eligible for COVID-19 vaccines aged 50 and over. At least 16,763,053 citizens have already received at least one dose of the vaccine which is over 31 per cent of the population. The number of patients in intensive care has also dropped giving authorities hope that they can slowly reopen the economy. Health minister Olivier Veran however warned that France must not "let down the guard" as it looks to reopen bars as reports said restaurants and cafés can admit up to six customers per table. Reports say France is also set to allow foreign tourists from June 9 provided they have a vaccination certificate or PCR test. The country's authorities also propose to lift night curfew from June 30 if the virus cases remain low, even though night clubs will reportedly stay closed. France had earlier announced mandatory ten-day quarantine for arrivals from seven additional countries including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. India was put in the list earlier after a surge in virus cases in the country including Turkey, Argentina, Chile and South Africa. France has a total of 5.8 million coronavirus cases since the pandemic began last year with 106,553 casualties so far.

France set to reopen outdoor cafés, restaurants amid declining COVID-19 cases

Hundreds of people flouted France's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus?page=1">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;curfew over the weekend with underground parties in at least two cities, while police managed to prevent organisers from staging a mass rave in Paris, officials said Sunday.

On Saturday near the eastern city of Dijon, nearly 400 people gathered at an abandoned hangar before police managed to cut power to the sound system at around 2:00 am Sunday.

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Police also used tear gas to prevent dozens of others from trying to sneak in despite efforts to clear the premises.

Two people were detained, including the suspected organiser, and police issued 205 fines for non-respect of the nationwide curfew that starts at 7:00 pm.

"This event is totally irresponsible given the health crisis in the country," the government's top regional official Fabien Sudry told AFP.

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Another illegal party was discovered late Friday in Haut-Corlay, a village in the western Brittany region, that attracted some 500 people.

Despite a police intervention, many people stayed overnight at the site on Saturday as well, though all had left by Sunday morning, police said, adding that nearly 330 fines for Covid infractions were issued.

Police in Paris, meanwhile, thwarted a rave planned in an industrial zone near the city's southeastern edge, detaining three people including a suspected organiser for endangerment.

"These people would do better to stay home, and be patient a little bit longer," Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti told France Inter radio.

President Emmanuel Macron last week acknowledged the eagerness to exit the country's third virus lockdown as he announced a phased lifting of the restrictions over the next two months.

Secondary schools will reopen Monday and the nationwide curfew will be pushed back to 9 pm on May 19, when cafes and restaurants will be allowed to reopen for outdoor seating only.

Hundreds of people flouted France's coronavirus curfew over the weekend with underground parties in at least two cities, while police managed to prevent organisers from staging a mass rave in Paris, officials said Sunday.

Hundreds of people flouted France's coronavirus curfew over the weekend with underground parties in at least two cities, while police managed to prevent organisers from staging a mass rave in Paris, officials said Sunday. On Saturday near the eastern city of Dijon, nearly 400 people gathered at an abandoned hangar before police managed to cut power to the sound system at around 2:00 am Sunday. Also read | Thousands march in support of Brazil's Bolsonaro defying virus Police also used tear gas to prevent dozens of others from trying to sneak in despite efforts to clear the premises. Two people were detained, including the suspected organiser, and police issued 205 fines for non-respect of the nationwide curfew that starts at 7:00 pm. "This event is totally irresponsible given the health crisis in the country," the government's top regional official Fabien Sudry told AFP. Also read | May Day: Morris Dancers turn blue over racism concerns Another illegal party was discovered late Friday in Haut-Corlay, a village in the western Brittany region, that attracted some 500 people. Despite a police intervention, many people stayed overnight at the site on Saturday as well, though all had left by Sunday morning, police said, adding that nearly 330 fines for Covid infractions were issued. Police in Paris, meanwhile, thwarted a rave planned in an industrial zone near the city's southeastern edge, detaining three people including a suspected organiser for endangerment. "These people would do better to stay home, and be patient a little bit longer," Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti told France Inter radio. President Emmanuel Macron last week acknowledged the eagerness to exit the country's third virus lockdown as he announced a phased lifting of the restrictions over the next two months. Secondary schools will reopen Monday and the nationwide curfew will be pushed back to 9 pm on May 19, when cafes and restaurants will be allowed to reopen for outdoor seating only.

French police break up mass parties defying Covid curfew

France is sticking to its plan to give over-55s the Johnson &amp; Johnson <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> suspended in the US and South Africa over rare blood clots, a government spokesman said Wednesday.

Gabriel Attal also reaffirmed the government's confidence in the AstraZeneca jab as an "essential tool" in the fight against Covid-19, hours after Denmark said it was stopping its use, also over rare incidents of clots in people who received the vaccine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/moderna-says-protection-from-its-covid-19-vaccine-still-strong-six-months-on-377482" hreflang="en">Moderna says protection from its COVID-19 vaccine still strong six months on</a>

France has already been using the AstraZeneca jab among over-55s and had been planning to boost its campaign with the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine, which is similar to the AstraZeneca shot.

That plan appeared to be in jeopardy after Johnson &amp; Johnson said Tuesday it would delay rollout of the vaccine in Europe after it was suspended in the US.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blood-clots-are-latest-curse-of-coronavirus-vaccines-all-you-need-to-know-377437" hreflang="en">Blood clots are latest curse of coronavirus vaccines. All you need to know</a>

But Attal said the government had received a first delivery of 200,000 doses, which "arrived on our territory at the start of the week and are being delivered to GPs and pharmacies".

His remarks came as EU chief Ursula von der Leyen warned the bloc was turning more heavily to BioNTech/Pfizer to make up for suspended Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine doses and for the longer term.

Her remarks came as more and more EU countries limit the use of the adenovirus-type vaccines produced by AstraZeneca and Johnson &amp; Johnson to older people, who have yet to be affected by the clotting issue.

Denmark on Wednesday became the first EU country to abandon the AstraZeneca vaccine altogether, despite the World Health Organization and European Medicines Agency deeming it safe.

Reacting to the Danish move, Attal said: "We have confidence in the AstraZeneca vaccine as an essential tool in the fight against the Covid-19 epidemic.&nbsp;

"It is important that this vaccine continue to be deployed. It is a vaccine that is safe and works."

France is sticking to its plan to give over-55s the Johnson & Johnson vaccine suspended in the US and South Africa over rare blood clots, a government spokesman said Wednesday.

France is sticking to its plan to give over-55s the Johnson & Johnson vaccine suspended in the US and South Africa over rare blood clots, a government spokesman said Wednesday. Gabriel Attal also reaffirmed the government's confidence in the AstraZeneca jab as an "essential tool" in the fight against Covid-19, hours after Denmark said it was stopping its use, also over rare incidents of clots in people who received the vaccine. Also read | Moderna says protection from its COVID-19 vaccine still strong six months on France has already been using the AstraZeneca jab among over-55s and had been planning to boost its campaign with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is similar to the AstraZeneca shot. That plan appeared to be in jeopardy after Johnson & Johnson said Tuesday it would delay rollout of the vaccine in Europe after it was suspended in the US. Also read | Blood clots are latest curse of coronavirus vaccines. All you need to know But Attal said the government had received a first delivery of 200,000 doses, which "arrived on our territory at the start of the week and are being delivered to GPs and pharmacies". His remarks came as EU chief Ursula von der Leyen warned the bloc was turning more heavily to BioNTech/Pfizer to make up for suspended Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses and for the longer term. Her remarks came as more and more EU countries limit the use of the adenovirus-type vaccines produced by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson to older people, who have yet to be affected by the clotting issue. Denmark on Wednesday became the first EU country to abandon the AstraZeneca vaccine altogether, despite the World Health Organization and European Medicines Agency deeming it safe. Reacting to the Danish move, Attal said: "We have confidence in the AstraZeneca vaccine as an essential tool in the fight against the Covid-19 epidemic. "It is important that this vaccine continue to be deployed. It is a vaccine that is safe and works."

France sticks to plan to give J&J vaccine to over 55s

France has decided to increase the time gap between the first and second dose of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine?page=1">coronavirus vaccine</a> from four weeks to six weeks.

The announcement was made by France’s Health Minister Olivier Veran in a conversation with a local newspaper.

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This has come a few months after France’s health advisory body had suggested extended the gap period to six weeks. However, the government had not adhered to the advise at that time as the officials felt there was insufficient data on how well the vaccines performed in longer intervals.

Considering the country is starting to vaccinate the younger generation now, the government feels it "will allow us to vaccinate more quickly without reducing protection".

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/amid-rising-number-of-covid-19-infections-india-launches-vaccination-festivals-376796/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He has also announced that the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will now be made available to all locals above the age of 55, instead of providing it just to people with serious pre-existing conditions.

This move can also help the country reach its target of 10 million first doses a week before its mid-April target, and will help amplify its target of administering another 10 million first shots by mid-May.

France has decided to increase the time gap between the first and second dose of the coronavirus vaccine from four weeks to six weeks. The announcement was made by France’s Health Minister Olivier Veran in a conversation with a local newspaper.

France has decided to increase the time gap between the first and second dose of the coronavirus vaccine from four weeks to six weeks. The announcement was made by France’s Health Minister Olivier Veran in a conversation with a local newspaper. Also read | Pfizer vaccine not very effective against South African variant: Israeli study This has come a few months after France’s health advisory body had suggested extended the gap period to six weeks. However, the government had not adhered to the advise at that time as the officials felt there was insufficient data on how well the vaccines performed in longer intervals. Considering the country is starting to vaccinate the younger generation now, the government feels it "will allow us to vaccinate more quickly without reducing protection". Also watch | Amid rising number of COVID-19 infections, India launches vaccination festivals He has also announced that the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will now be made available to all locals above the age of 55, instead of providing it just to people with serious pre-existing conditions. This move can also help the country reach its target of 10 million first doses a week before its mid-April target, and will help amplify its target of administering another 10 million first shots by mid-May.

France increases gap between two doses of coronavirus vaccines

In the Covid-19 intensive care unit of the Antony Private Hospital south of Paris, no bed stays free for long and medics wonder when their workload will finally peak.

As one recovered elderly patient is being wheeled out of the ward, smiling weakly, boss Jean-Pierre Deyme is on the phone arranging the next arrival and calling out instructions to staff.

Louisa Pinto, a nurse of nearly 20 years' experience, gestures to the vacated room where a cleaner is already at work, scrubbing down the mattress for the next arrival.

"The bed won't even have time to cool down," she says as the patient monitoring system beeps constantly in the background. &nbsp;

For now, everything is stable in the 20-odd beds around her where Covid-19 victims lie inanimate, in a silent battle with the virus.

Paris is going through a third wave of the pandemic which risks putting even more strain on saturated hospitals than the first wave in March and April last year.&nbsp;

"With what's coming in April, it's going to be very complicated,"&nbsp;says Pinto, a mother of three who hasn't had a holiday since last summer and like other staff will be cancelling a planned break this month.

Even with a new round of restrictions coming into force this week, Health Minister Olivier Veran predicts that infections in France will peak only in mid-April, while hospital admissions will continue climbing until the end of the month.

Alarming forecasts leaked to the French media from the Paris public hospital authority AP-HP last week showed anywhere from 2,800-4,400 people in intensive care in the Paris region by the end of April even with a strict lockdown.

In the first wave, the number peaked at 2,700.

- Staff shortages -&nbsp;

The director of the Antony hospital, Denis Chandesris, says intensive care capacity has already been increased by drastically reducing all surgery except for critical cancer, cardiological and emergency cases.

Hospitals everywhere in the region have taken similar measures, re-deploying beds and creating new wards, but they are reaching their limits.

"The difficulty is not so much beds or material, it's a question of finding medical and paramedical staff to be able to take in patients," Chandesris explained.

Last Sunday, a group of emergency care directors in Paris warned in an open letter that the situation was so bad that medics would soon have to start "triage" -- selecting patients for care based on their chances of survival.

This prospect horrifies staff -- and President Emmanuel Macron has always promised to shield hospitals and avoid the sort of scenes witnessed in Italy last March when patients piled up in corridors. &nbsp;

In a televised speech to the nation on Wednesday night, he promised to increase intensive care capacity nation-wide from 7,665 beds currently to 10,000 -- a jump of 30 percent.

"I want to thank medical students, retired people, the army health service and medical reserve volunteers. All of them will be mobilised in a larger way," he announced.&nbsp;

Opposition politicians and some experts reacted with scepticism while an Ifop poll for the Journal du Dimanche weekly found only 35 percent of French people had confidence in their government "to deal effectively with the coronavirus".

Pinto, the nurse, underlined how working in intensive care is "very technical", requiring specialised training and knowledge.

- New restrictions -&nbsp;

Macron is banking on a limited lockdown over the next month turning the rising tide of cases which have roughly doubled to 40,000 a day compared with their level a month ago.

The sharp acceleration is down to the spread of the more contagious so-called British variant which has become dominant in France.&nbsp;

New measures include nation-wide travel restrictions, which limit people to 10 kilometres (six miles) from their homes, and the closure of schools and non-essential shops.

Only a significant increase in the vaccination campaign -- which started sluggishly but is now picking up pace -- fills any of the medics at Antony Private Hospital with any hope.

After months of lacking doses, the government is promising a major rollout this month and an increase in the rate of jabbing.

Samir Taik, a taxi driver from Paris, walked out of the Antony hospital last week as the 1,000th Covid-19 patient to have benefited from oxygen therapy in the Covid-19 intensive care unit.

The 43-year-old, who enjoys boxing and sport, is still short of breath and reeling from the trauma of seeing his health deteriorate so fast.&nbsp;

He says he knows three or four people with a similar profile to him who have been hospitalised recently.

"Young people need to know that we're not talking about 80-year-olds, it's people who are 30, 40, 45-year-olds and have no health problems. The British variant is not like the old one," he told AFP.

In the Covid-19 intensive care unit of the Antony Private Hospital south of Paris, no bed stays free for long and medics wonder when their workload will finally peak.

In the Covid-19 intensive care unit of the Antony Private Hospital south of Paris, no bed stays free for long and medics wonder when their workload will finally peak. As one recovered elderly patient is being wheeled out of the ward, smiling weakly, boss Jean-Pierre Deyme is on the phone arranging the next arrival and calling out instructions to staff. Louisa Pinto, a nurse of nearly 20 years' experience, gestures to the vacated room where a cleaner is already at work, scrubbing down the mattress for the next arrival. "The bed won't even have time to cool down," she says as the patient monitoring system beeps constantly in the background. For now, everything is stable in the 20-odd beds around her where Covid-19 victims lie inanimate, in a silent battle with the virus. Paris is going through a third wave of the pandemic which risks putting even more strain on saturated hospitals than the first wave in March and April last year. "With what's coming in April, it's going to be very complicated," says Pinto, a mother of three who hasn't had a holiday since last summer and like other staff will be cancelling a planned break this month. Even with a new round of restrictions coming into force this week, Health Minister Olivier Veran predicts that infections in France will peak only in mid-April, while hospital admissions will continue climbing until the end of the month. Alarming forecasts leaked to the French media from the Paris public hospital authority AP-HP last week showed anywhere from 2,800-4,400 people in intensive care in the Paris region by the end of April even with a strict lockdown. In the first wave, the number peaked at 2,700. - Staff shortages - The director of the Antony hospital, Denis Chandesris, says intensive care capacity has already been increased by drastically reducing all surgery except for critical cancer, cardiological and emergency cases. Hospitals everywhere in the region have taken similar measures, re-deploying beds and creating new wards, but they are reaching their limits. "The difficulty is not so much beds or material, it's a question of finding medical and paramedical staff to be able to take in patients," Chandesris explained. Last Sunday, a group of emergency care directors in Paris warned in an open letter that the situation was so bad that medics would soon have to start "triage" -- selecting patients for care based on their chances of survival. This prospect horrifies staff -- and President Emmanuel Macron has always promised to shield hospitals and avoid the sort of scenes witnessed in Italy last March when patients piled up in corridors. In a televised speech to the nation on Wednesday night, he promised to increase intensive care capacity nation-wide from 7,665 beds currently to 10,000 -- a jump of 30 percent. "I want to thank medical students, retired people, the army health service and medical reserve volunteers. All of them will be mobilised in a larger way," he announced. Opposition politicians and some experts reacted with scepticism while an Ifop poll for the Journal du Dimanche weekly found only 35 percent of French people had confidence in their government "to deal effectively with the coronavirus". Pinto, the nurse, underlined how working in intensive care is "very technical", requiring specialised training and knowledge. - New restrictions - Macron is banking on a limited lockdown over the next month turning the rising tide of cases which have roughly doubled to 40,000 a day compared with their level a month ago. The sharp acceleration is down to the spread of the more contagious so-called British variant which has become dominant in France. New measures include nation-wide travel restrictions, which limit people to 10 kilometres (six miles) from their homes, and the closure of schools and non-essential shops. Only a significant increase in the vaccination campaign -- which started sluggishly but is now picking up pace -- fills any of the medics at Antony Private Hospital with any hope. After months of lacking doses, the government is promising a major rollout this month and an increase in the rate of jabbing. Samir Taik, a taxi driver from Paris, walked out of the Antony hospital last week as the 1,000th Covid-19 patient to have benefited from oxygen therapy in the Covid-19 intensive care unit. The 43-year-old, who enjoys boxing and sport, is still short of breath and reeling from the trauma of seeing his health deteriorate so fast. He says he knows three or four people with a similar profile to him who have been hospitalised recently. "Young people need to know that we're not talking about 80-year-olds, it's people who are 30, 40, 45-year-olds and have no health problems. The British variant is not like the old one," he told AFP.

Paris medics fear worst of Covid wave still to come

Amid rising cases of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> in the country, France is set to enter the third lockdown beginning Saturday.

The decision has come a few days after the French president Emmanuel Macron had hinted against imposing a lockdown. However, after heavy criticism, the government decided to impose another lockdown to contain the widespread of the deadly virus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-orders-closure-of-schools-amid-surge-in-coronavirus-cases-374640">Macron orders closure of schools amid surge in coronavirus cases</a>

Macron is also hoping to utilise this time to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinate</a> as many people as possible. “We will do everything to vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate! Without rest, without holidays. Saturday and Sunday just like in the week,” he said.

He has also claimed that France will have caught up with the UK on the number of people being vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus.

"In a few weeks we will have completely caught up with the British, who will meanwhile be increasingly dependent on us to vaccinate their population," he told a local newspaper.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-will-depend-on-us-soon-macron-assured-france-will-match-britain-vaccine-targets-soon-373926">'UK will depend on us soon': Macron assured France will match Britain vaccine targets soon</a>

The order of lockdown came a little after Macron announced a temporary closure of schools in the country.

"We have adopted a strategy since the beginning of the year that aims to contain the epidemic without shutting ourselves in," he said.

On Wednesday, while addressing the nation with the concern of rising cases, Macron announced the tightening of restrictions in form of school closure, travel restrictions across the country and closure of non-essential shops.

Earlier, Macron had said that by not imposing lockdown, "we gained precious weeks of liberty, weeks of learning for our children, we allowed hundreds of thousands of workers to keep their head above water, without losing control of the epidemic".

Amid rising cases of coronavirus in the country, France is set to enter the third lockdown beginning Saturday. The decision has come a few days after the French president Emmanuel Macron had hinted against imposing a lockdown.

Amid rising cases of coronavirus in the country, France is set to enter the third lockdown beginning Saturday. The decision has come a few days after the French president Emmanuel Macron had hinted against imposing a lockdown. However, after heavy criticism, the government decided to impose another lockdown to contain the widespread of the deadly virus. Also read | Macron orders closure of schools amid surge in coronavirus cases Macron is also hoping to utilise this time to vaccinate as many people as possible. “We will do everything to vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate! Without rest, without holidays. Saturday and Sunday just like in the week,” he said. He has also claimed that France will have caught up with the UK on the number of people being vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. "In a few weeks we will have completely caught up with the British, who will meanwhile be increasingly dependent on us to vaccinate their population," he told a local newspaper. Also read | 'UK will depend on us soon': Macron assured France will match Britain vaccine targets soon The order of lockdown came a little after Macron announced a temporary closure of schools in the country. "We have adopted a strategy since the beginning of the year that aims to contain the epidemic without shutting ourselves in," he said. On Wednesday, while addressing the nation with the concern of rising cases, Macron announced the tightening of restrictions in form of school closure, travel restrictions across the country and closure of non-essential shops. Earlier, Macron had said that by not imposing lockdown, "we gained precious weeks of liberty, weeks of learning for our children, we allowed hundreds of thousands of workers to keep their head above water, without losing control of the epidemic".

France set to enter third lockdown amid coronavirus surge

Amid a surge of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases in France, President Emmanuel Macron has announced a nationwide closure of schools and a limited lockdown to contain the spread of the virus.

In a bid to confront the COVID-19 infections, Macron has ordered a temporary closure of all schools in the area a few days after announcing that the country will not be going into a lockdown.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-15-million-doses-of-johnson-johnson-coronavirus-vaccine-destroyed-374630">US: 15 million doses of Johnson &amp; Johnson coronavirus vaccine destroyed</a>

"We have adopted a strategy since the beginning of the year that aims to contain the epidemic without shutting ourselves in," he said.

The 43-year-old leader has faced immense criticism from the opposition for not being able to contain the spread of the deadly virus.

Macron had taken the decision to not impose a third lockdown despite the recommendation from medical experts and doctors.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-says-no-age-related-risk-of-astrazeneca-vaccine-found-so-far-374549" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-says-no-age-related-risk-of-astrazeneca-vaccine-found-so-far-374549&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjHm-uLi9zvAhUwyDgGHQvnB9U4ChAWMAJ6BAgIEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw0AgmE1_40hVHdRzAJboRmc" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-says-no-age-related-risk-of-astrazeneca-vaccine-found-so-far-374549" target="_blank">EU says no age-related risk of AstraZeneca vaccine found so far</a>

On Wednesday, while addressing the nation with the concern of rising cases, Macron announced the tightening of restrictions in form of school closure, travel restrictions across the country and closure of non-essential shops.

However, as expected, the President did not ask people to stay at home or avoid public gatherings.

Defending his move to not shut down the country in January during a surge helped the economy, he claimed. Macron said by not imposing lockdown, "we gained precious weeks of liberty, weeks of learning for our children, we allowed hundreds of thousands of workers to keep their head above water, without losing control of the epidemic".

On Wednesday, the European nation registered more than 53,000 new cases and 304 new deaths, bring its total toll to 95,667.

The number is expected to rise as more and more people are stepping outdoors to enjoy the incoming summer sun in parks.

He also took this opportunity to urge people to go and get <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated.</a> "Thanks to the vaccine, the way out of the crisis is emerging," he said. "We will do everything to vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate! Without rest, without holidays. Saturday and Sunday just like in the week."

Amid a surge of coronavirus cases in France, President Emmanuel Macron has announced a nationwide closure of schools and a limited lockdown to contain the spread of the virus.

Amid a surge of coronavirus cases in France, President Emmanuel Macron has announced a nationwide closure of schools and a limited lockdown to contain the spread of the virus. In a bid to confront the COVID-19 infections, Macron has ordered a temporary closure of all schools in the area a few days after announcing that the country will not be going into a lockdown. Also read | US: 15 million doses of Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine destroyed "We have adopted a strategy since the beginning of the year that aims to contain the epidemic without shutting ourselves in," he said. The 43-year-old leader has faced immense criticism from the opposition for not being able to contain the spread of the deadly virus. Macron had taken the decision to not impose a third lockdown despite the recommendation from medical experts and doctors. Also read | EU says no age-related risk of AstraZeneca vaccine found so far On Wednesday, while addressing the nation with the concern of rising cases, Macron announced the tightening of restrictions in form of school closure, travel restrictions across the country and closure of non-essential shops. However, as expected, the President did not ask people to stay at home or avoid public gatherings. Defending his move to not shut down the country in January during a surge helped the economy, he claimed. Macron said by not imposing lockdown, "we gained precious weeks of liberty, weeks of learning for our children, we allowed hundreds of thousands of workers to keep their head above water, without losing control of the epidemic". On Wednesday, the European nation registered more than 53,000 new cases and 304 new deaths, bring its total toll to 95,667. The number is expected to rise as more and more people are stepping outdoors to enjoy the incoming summer sun in parks. He also took this opportunity to urge people to go and get vaccinated. "Thanks to the vaccine, the way out of the crisis is emerging," he said. "We will do everything to vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate! Without rest, without holidays. Saturday and Sunday just like in the week."

Macron orders closure of schools amid surge in coronavirus cases

The European countries and UK have been at crossroads when it comes to coronavirus vaccination, with the UK leading the race.

However, French President Emmanuel Macron has claimed that France will have caught up with the UK on the number of people being vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-accuses-russia-of-using-its-sputnik-v-covid-19-vaccine-as-propaganda-tool-373370">France accuses Russia of using its Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine as 'propaganda' tool</a>

As of now, only 11.45 per cent of French locals have received the first jab of coronavirus, which is much less than 43.79 per cent of British locals.&nbsp;

France has been criticised for its slow speed of vaccination drive. However, Macron has now told the local media that France has significantly ramped up the pace of vaccination drives, and will soon be catching up with the UK.

"In a few weeks we will have completely caught up with the British, who will meanwhile be increasingly dependent on us to vaccinate their population," he told a local newspaper.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-vaccine-summit-macron-expresses-frustration-over-lagging-vaccination-drive-373185">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-vaccine-summit-macron-expresses-frustration-over-lagging-vaccination-drive-373185/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

His statement is being understood to be a reference to the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine, which are produced in EU member states.

The EU has threatened to ban pharma firms from exporting COVID vaccines to the UK and other countries if the companies fail to achieve the target of the vaccine deliveries to the EU.

French foreign minister, meanwhile, feels that while the UK has rushed to give the first jab of coronavirus vaccine to as many citizens as possible, the ex-EU member will struggle to procure doses needed for the second jab.

"The United Kingdom has taken great pride in vaccinating well with the first dose except they have a problem with the second dose," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said.

The European countries and UK have been at crossroads when it comes to coronavirus vaccination, with the UK leading the race. However, French President Emmanuel Macron has claimed that France will have caught up with the UK on the number of people being vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus.

The European countries and UK have been at crossroads when it comes to coronavirus vaccination, with the UK leading the race. However, French President Emmanuel Macron has claimed that France will have caught up with the UK on the number of people being vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. Also read | France accuses Russia of using its Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine as 'propaganda' tool As of now, only 11.45 per cent of French locals have received the first jab of coronavirus, which is much less than 43.79 per cent of British locals. France has been criticised for its slow speed of vaccination drive. However, Macron has now told the local media that France has significantly ramped up the pace of vaccination drives, and will soon be catching up with the UK. "In a few weeks we will have completely caught up with the British, who will meanwhile be increasingly dependent on us to vaccinate their population," he told a local newspaper. Watch | His statement is being understood to be a reference to the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine, which are produced in EU member states. The EU has threatened to ban pharma firms from exporting COVID vaccines to the UK and other countries if the companies fail to achieve the target of the vaccine deliveries to the EU. French foreign minister, meanwhile, feels that while the UK has rushed to give the first jab of coronavirus vaccine to as many citizens as possible, the ex-EU member will struggle to procure doses needed for the second jab. "The United Kingdom has taken great pride in vaccinating well with the first dose except they have a problem with the second dose," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said.

'UK will depend on us soon': Macron assured France will match Britain vaccine targets soon

&nbsp;French authorities have launched an investigation into the death of a 26-year-old who passed away a few days after he received a shot of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine.</a>

The 26-year-old was a medical student who died on March 18 in Nantes, 10 days after receiving a jab of AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-prez-promises-faster-vaccine-roll-out-as-infections-explode-372556" hreflang="en">French Prez promises faster vaccine roll-out as infections 'explode'&nbsp;</a>

While an interrogation has been launched into the matter, the authorities have stressed that no link has been established yet between the death of the medical student and the AstraZeneca jab.

The authorities had carried out an autopsy on him a day after his death but the public prosecutor in Nantes, Pierre Sennes, said that “it was necessary to carry out further tests to determine the causes and circumstances of his death”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-to-release-more-data-after-us-raises-questions-on-shots-potential-372554" hreflang="en">AstraZeneca to release more data after US raises questions on shot's potential</a>

For now, the ANSM national drug safety watchdog has been informed about the death of the medical student “as part of our increased monitoring of thrombosis cases”, but stressed that no link has been established yet with AstraZeneca.

The watchdog also first stated the deceased’s age as 24, which the prosecutor’s office later corrected to be 26. “This death is the subject of an in-depth clinical investigation,” it said in a statement.

This news has come five days after France and several other European countries resumed AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccines. Earlier, several EU nations had suspended the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine over reports of blood clots in a handful of people who had received a jab of this vaccine.

The WHO said reported rates of so-called thromboembolic events after Covid-19 vaccines were in line with the usual number of people suffering these conditions.

French authorities have launched an investigation into the death of a 26-year-old who passed away a few days after he received a shot of the coronavirus vaccine.

French authorities have launched an investigation into the death of a 26-year-old who passed away a few days after he received a shot of the coronavirus vaccine. The 26-year-old was a medical student who died on March 18 in Nantes, 10 days after receiving a jab of AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine. Also read | French Prez promises faster vaccine roll-out as infections 'explode' While an interrogation has been launched into the matter, the authorities have stressed that no link has been established yet between the death of the medical student and the AstraZeneca jab. The authorities had carried out an autopsy on him a day after his death but the public prosecutor in Nantes, Pierre Sennes, said that “it was necessary to carry out further tests to determine the causes and circumstances of his death”. Also read | AstraZeneca to release more data after US raises questions on shot's potential For now, the ANSM national drug safety watchdog has been informed about the death of the medical student “as part of our increased monitoring of thrombosis cases”, but stressed that no link has been established yet with AstraZeneca. The watchdog also first stated the deceased’s age as 24, which the prosecutor’s office later corrected to be 26. “This death is the subject of an in-depth clinical investigation,” it said in a statement. This news has come five days after France and several other European countries resumed AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccines. Earlier, several EU nations had suspended the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine over reports of blood clots in a handful of people who had received a jab of this vaccine. The WHO said reported rates of so-called thromboembolic events after Covid-19 vaccines were in line with the usual number of people suffering these conditions.

France launches investigation into death of student who got AstraZeneca vaccine

Leading EU countries are set to resume AstraZeneca vaccinations after the European medical regulator said the jab was "safe and effective" and not associated with a higher blood clot risk.

The announcement from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) came after the WHO and Britain's health watchdog both said it was far riskier to not get the shot as several countries face a worrying rise in coronavirus cases.&nbsp;Several European countries, to this end, said they would soon resume vaccinations.

The list of these countries includes Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia and Bulgaria.

EMA chief Emer Cooke said Thursday that its "committee has come to a clear scientific conclusion: this is a safe and effective vaccine" after an investigation into the AstraZeneca jab.

"The committee also concluded that the vaccine is not associated with an increase in the overall risk of thromboembolic events or blood clots," she added.

However,&nbsp;the agency said it "cannot rule out definitively" a link to a rare clotting disorder.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The UK health regulator also said there were no links between blood clots and the Pfizer vaccine.&nbsp;

The World Health Organisation (WHO) repeated that it was better to take the AstraZeneca vaccine than not.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-uk-regulator-shrug-off-astrazeneca-vaccine-concerns-371478">Also read |&nbsp;EU, UK regulator shrug off AstraZeneca vaccine concerns</a>

AstraZeneca's chief medical officer Ann Taylor said that "vaccine safety is paramount and we welcome the regulators' decisions which affirm the overwhelming benefit of our vaccine in stopping the pandemic".

Norway and Sweden, however, said they were not ready to resume using the vaccine. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health said it "took note" of the EMA's ruling, but it was "premature" to draw conclusions and it would announce its own opinion by the end of next week.

Meanwhile, France on Thursday became the latest nation to toughen Covid restrictions, announcing a month-long limited lockdown for Paris and several other regions to try and stave off a third wave of infections that has overwhelmed hospitals.&nbsp;

The measures fall short of a full-blown lockdown, but will see non-essential shops closed and outdoor movement restricted in the affected regions, while schools are to stay open.&nbsp;

French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced the new measures as well as saying he would get the AstraZeneca vaccine "to show that we can have complete confidence in it".

Bulgaria and Ukraine also readied for tougher restrictions to stem rising cases, while the WHO issued a grim update on ballooning infections in Central Europe and the Balkans.

Italy, the first European country to become engulfed by the pandemic, held a national day of mourning Thursday, with a ceremony in Bergamo, the northern city that became known as "Italy's Wuhan" -- the Chinese city where the first Covid-19 cases were identified.

Italy chose March 18 for the memorial to coincide with the day in 2020 when the army had to step in to carry away scores of coffins from Bergamo's overwhelmed crematorium.

(with inputs from agencies)

Leading EU countries are set to resume AstraZeneca vaccinations after the European medical regulator said the jab was "safe and effective" and not associated with a higher blood clot risk.

Leading EU countries are set to resume AstraZeneca vaccinations after the European medical regulator said the jab was "safe and effective" and not associated with a higher blood clot risk. The announcement from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) came after the WHO and Britain's health watchdog both said it was far riskier to not get the shot as several countries face a worrying rise in coronavirus cases. Several European countries, to this end, said they would soon resume vaccinations. The list of these countries includes Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia and Bulgaria. EMA chief Emer Cooke said Thursday that its "committee has come to a clear scientific conclusion: this is a safe and effective vaccine" after an investigation into the AstraZeneca jab. "The committee also concluded that the vaccine is not associated with an increase in the overall risk of thromboembolic events or blood clots," she added. However, the agency said it "cannot rule out definitively" a link to a rare clotting disorder. The UK health regulator also said there were no links between blood clots and the Pfizer vaccine. The World Health Organisation (WHO) repeated that it was better to take the AstraZeneca vaccine than not. Also read | EU, UK regulator shrug off AstraZeneca vaccine concerns AstraZeneca's chief medical officer Ann Taylor said that "vaccine safety is paramount and we welcome the regulators' decisions which affirm the overwhelming benefit of our vaccine in stopping the pandemic". Norway and Sweden, however, said they were not ready to resume using the vaccine. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health said it "took note" of the EMA's ruling, but it was "premature" to draw conclusions and it would announce its own opinion by the end of next week. Meanwhile, France on Thursday became the latest nation to toughen Covid restrictions, announcing a month-long limited lockdown for Paris and several other regions to try and stave off a third wave of infections that has overwhelmed hospitals. The measures fall short of a full-blown lockdown, but will see non-essential shops closed and outdoor movement restricted in the affected regions, while schools are to stay open. French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced the new measures as well as saying he would get the AstraZeneca vaccine "to show that we can have complete confidence in it". Bulgaria and Ukraine also readied for tougher restrictions to stem rising cases, while the WHO issued a grim update on ballooning infections in Central Europe and the Balkans. Italy, the first European country to become engulfed by the pandemic, held a national day of mourning Thursday, with a ceremony in Bergamo, the northern city that became known as "Italy's Wuhan" -- the Chinese city where the first Covid-19 cases were identified. Italy chose March 18 for the memorial to coincide with the day in 2020 when the army had to step in to carry away scores of coffins from Bergamo's overwhelmed crematorium. (with inputs from agencies)

EU countries to resume AstraZeneca jabs after 'safe' verdict

Amid a surge in coronavirus cases, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-announces-partial-lockdown-amid-virus-surge-in-europe-371262">France</a> on Thursday announced limited lockdown in Paris and several other regions to combat the virus.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/european-union-threatens-to-halt-vaccine-export-to-united-kingdom-371313/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We are adopting a third way, a way that should allow braking (of the epidemic) without locking (people) up," French PM Jean Castex said.

The French prime minister said there were increased threats due to a "third wave" with nearly 1,200 people in intensive care in the Paris region even as the British variant of the virus has been responsible for the most number of cases in recent weeks.

The French capital has been put under a month-long lockdown.&nbsp;

"The epidemic is getting worse. Our responsibility now is to not let it escape our control," Castex asserted while announcing the lockdown as he emphasised that it was time to tighten the lockdown.

The lockdown will start from Friday midnight with salon, furniture shops to close however essential services will be allowed to remain open including schools.

Outdoor activity will however be curbed as the French PM warned, "go outdoors, but not to party with friends."

France began its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crisis-of-century-eu-threatens-ban-on-coronavirus-vaccine-exports-to-uk-371435">vaccination </a>campaign in December with the country hit hard with the virus, however, there the lack of new supply has hampered the inoculation drive even though Castex said inoculations with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-uk-regulator-shrug-off-astrazeneca-vaccine-concerns-371478">AstraZeneca </a>vaccine after the European Medicines Agency had confirmed it was safe.

"I am confident public trust in the vaccine will be restored," the French PM said. The country's health services have been under renewed pressure with the intensive care unit of private hospitals on the edge in Paris.

The lockdown in Paris is also set to be imposed on the Hauts-de-France region of northeast France including the Alpes-Maritimes on the Mediterranean, as well as Seine-Maritime and the Eure in the north.&nbsp;

Amid a surge in coronavirus cases, France on Thursday announced limited lockdown in Paris and several other regions to combat the virus. Watch: "We are adopting a third way, a way that should allow braking (of the epidemic) without locking (people) up," French PM Jean Castex said.

Amid a surge in coronavirus cases, France on Thursday announced limited lockdown in Paris and several other regions to combat the virus. Watch: "We are adopting a third way, a way that should allow braking (of the epidemic) without locking (people) up," French PM Jean Castex said. The French prime minister said there were increased threats due to a "third wave" with nearly 1,200 people in intensive care in the Paris region even as the British variant of the virus has been responsible for the most number of cases in recent weeks. The French capital has been put under a month-long lockdown. "The epidemic is getting worse. Our responsibility now is to not let it escape our control," Castex asserted while announcing the lockdown as he emphasised that it was time to tighten the lockdown. The lockdown will start from Friday midnight with salon, furniture shops to close however essential services will be allowed to remain open including schools. Outdoor activity will however be curbed as the French PM warned, "go outdoors, but not to party with friends." France began its vaccination campaign in December with the country hit hard with the virus, however, there the lack of new supply has hampered the inoculation drive even though Castex said inoculations with the AstraZeneca vaccine after the European Medicines Agency had confirmed it was safe. "I am confident public trust in the vaccine will be restored," the French PM said. The country's health services have been under renewed pressure with the intensive care unit of private hospitals on the edge in Paris. The lockdown in Paris is also set to be imposed on the Hauts-de-France region of northeast France including the Alpes-Maritimes on the Mediterranean, as well as Seine-Maritime and the Eure in the north.

French government imposes limited lockdown in Paris amid COVID-19 variant surge

France is struggling to contain the widespread of the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> and the hospitals are facing the effect of it.

Coronavirus hospitals in Paris are running up to their full capacity, leading to a massive shortage of beds, especially in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Considering this, France's government announced plans to evacuate nearly 100 coronavirus patients from the ICUs of Paris hospitals.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-probe-points-to-wuhan-wet-market-as-source-of-novel-coronavirus-370111" hreflang="en">WHO probe points to Wuhan wet market as source of novel coronavirus</a>

The government is hoping to avoid another lockdown through these transfers, while the officials prepare to speed up the vaccination programme.

"By the end of this week, probably around 100 patients will have been evacuated from the Ile-de-France region," government spokesman Gabriel Attal said.&nbsp;

Starting with the process, two patients of age 33 and 70 were airlifted to the southwestern city of Bordeaux.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-has-increased-social-inequality-in-uk-survey-369696" hreflang="en">Coronavirus has increased social inequality in UK: Survey</a>

Attal also reported that two specially equipped trains will transfer "several dozens of patients to regions that today are under less strain" from the coronavirus pandemic.

While the government is starting the process of evacuating patients from Paris, people are worried if the capital city will undergo another lockdown.

"We are doing everything we can to not have to take more difficult, more restrictive measures," Attal said.&nbsp;

However, he also was careful to not dismiss the idea of lockdown completely. "We will always take whatever decisions are necessary," he said.

A weekend lockdown has already been ordered in the northern Pas-de-Calais region where COVID patients were being transferred from the more crowded area.

France is struggling to contain the widespread of the deadly coronavirus and the hospitals are facing the effect of it. Coronavirus hospitals in Paris are running up to their full capacity, leading to a massive shortage of beds, especially in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

France is struggling to contain the widespread of the deadly coronavirus and the hospitals are facing the effect of it. Coronavirus hospitals in Paris are running up to their full capacity, leading to a massive shortage of beds, especially in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Considering this, France's government announced plans to evacuate nearly 100 coronavirus patients from the ICUs of Paris hospitals. Also read | WHO probe points to Wuhan wet market as source of novel coronavirus The government is hoping to avoid another lockdown through these transfers, while the officials prepare to speed up the vaccination programme. "By the end of this week, probably around 100 patients will have been evacuated from the Ile-de-France region," government spokesman Gabriel Attal said. Starting with the process, two patients of age 33 and 70 were airlifted to the southwestern city of Bordeaux. Also read | Coronavirus has increased social inequality in UK: Survey Attal also reported that two specially equipped trains will transfer "several dozens of patients to regions that today are under less strain" from the coronavirus pandemic. While the government is starting the process of evacuating patients from Paris, people are worried if the capital city will undergo another lockdown. "We are doing everything we can to not have to take more difficult, more restrictive measures," Attal said. However, he also was careful to not dismiss the idea of lockdown completely. "We will always take whatever decisions are necessary," he said. A weekend lockdown has already been ordered in the northern Pas-de-Calais region where COVID patients were being transferred from the more crowded area.

Beds' shortage forces France to evacuate over 100 COVID patients from Paris

Hundreds of thousands of people in northern France went back into lockdown Saturday,&nbsp;while health officials stepped up their nationwide vaccination campaign to make up ground after a slow start.

The residents of Pas-de-Calais on the north coast joined those in the region's port of Dunkirk -- and the Mediterranean resort of Nice -- already shut down on Saturdays and Sundays.

That puts more than two million people across France under the weekend restrictions, required to stay at home unless they can provide a written exemption.

With hospital capacity at 90 percent in Pas-de-Calais, the region's prefect insisted the new restrictions were necessary to prevent local health services from being overwhelmed.

Two thirds of the cases recorded there recently have been the more contagious variant first detected in England, said local officials.

But with a 6pm-6am curfew already in place and non-essential shops closed there, the new restrictions will hurt already hard-pressed businesses.

- Slow progress on vaccinations -

Covid-19 has killed 88,300 people across France, according to the latest figures Saturday.&nbsp;

The government is trying to step up its vaccination campaign to give a first jab to 10 million people by mid-April, 20 million by mid-May and 30 million by summer.

So far however, fewer than 3.4 million people in France have received at least one dose of the vaccine -- compared with more than 22 million in Britain.

New vaccination centres opened in Pas-de-Calais this weekend, and around a hundred across the Paris region also got up and running.

The government has opted for targetted measures in the worst-hit regions rather than another a nationwide lockdown.

Thus in Paris on Friday, police banned the consumption of alcohol outdoors to try to reduce the crowds gathering to enjoy the spring sunshine.

France's Order of Doctors meanwhile, appealed to all health workers to set an example and get vaccinated. So far, take-up in the sector has been just 30 percent.

Hundreds of thousands of people in northern France went back into lockdown Saturday, while health officials stepped up their nationwide vaccination campaign to make up ground after a slow start.

Hundreds of thousands of people in northern France went back into lockdown Saturday, while health officials stepped up their nationwide vaccination campaign to make up ground after a slow start. The residents of Pas-de-Calais on the north coast joined those in the region's port of Dunkirk -- and the Mediterranean resort of Nice -- already shut down on Saturdays and Sundays. That puts more than two million people across France under the weekend restrictions, required to stay at home unless they can provide a written exemption. With hospital capacity at 90 percent in Pas-de-Calais, the region's prefect insisted the new restrictions were necessary to prevent local health services from being overwhelmed. Two thirds of the cases recorded there recently have been the more contagious variant first detected in England, said local officials. But with a 6pm-6am curfew already in place and non-essential shops closed there, the new restrictions will hurt already hard-pressed businesses. - Slow progress on vaccinations - Covid-19 has killed 88,300 people across France, according to the latest figures Saturday. The government is trying to step up its vaccination campaign to give a first jab to 10 million people by mid-April, 20 million by mid-May and 30 million by summer. So far however, fewer than 3.4 million people in France have received at least one dose of the vaccine -- compared with more than 22 million in Britain. New vaccination centres opened in Pas-de-Calais this weekend, and around a hundred across the Paris region also got up and running. The government has opted for targetted measures in the worst-hit regions rather than another a nationwide lockdown. Thus in Paris on Friday, police banned the consumption of alcohol outdoors to try to reduce the crowds gathering to enjoy the spring sunshine. France's Order of Doctors meanwhile, appealed to all health workers to set an example and get vaccinated. So far, take-up in the sector has been just 30 percent.

France extends weekend lockdown to northern region

France on Friday recommended that people who have already recovered from Covid-19 receive a single vaccine dose, becoming the first country to issue such advice.

All three Covid-19 vaccines approved for use in the European Union are administered in the form of two doses, delivered several weeks apart.&nbsp;

This is because clinical trials showed that immunity against the disease was significantly higher after individuals received two shots.

France's public health authority said Friday however that people who had already been infected with Covid-19 develop an immune response similar to that bestowed by a vaccine dose, and that a single dose after infection would likely suffice.

"A single vaccine dose will also play the role of reminding" their immune system how to fight Covid-19, it said.

The authority recommended a gap of between three and six months after infection before individuals who had recovered from Covid-19 receive a jab.

"At the moment no country has clearly positioned itself in terms of a sole vaccination dose for people who have already contracted Covid-19," it said.

France has accelerated its vaccination programme in recent weeks but it is still in its infancy.&nbsp;

As of Thursday, over 2.1 million people had received at least one vaccine dose, with almost 535,800 having already received two.

At least 3.4 million people have had confirmed Covid-19 infections in France, although there are likely to have been far more given the relative lack of accessible testing during the pandemic's first wave.

Two recent US studies suggest that a single vaccine dose may work in individuals who have already recovered from Covid-19.

One paper said that immunity in individuals who had had Covid-19 and then received a single vaccine dose "is equal to or even exceeds" that of people who have not had Covid-19 but received two vaccine doses.

A vaccine still in development by Johnson &amp; Johnson works with a single dose, but it is yet to receive emergency use authorisation from EU and US regulators.

France on Friday recommended that people who have already recovered from Covid-19 receive a single vaccine dose, becoming the first country to issue such advice.

France on Friday recommended that people who have already recovered from Covid-19 receive a single vaccine dose, becoming the first country to issue such advice. All three Covid-19 vaccines approved for use in the European Union are administered in the form of two doses, delivered several weeks apart. This is because clinical trials showed that immunity against the disease was significantly higher after individuals received two shots. France's public health authority said Friday however that people who had already been infected with Covid-19 develop an immune response similar to that bestowed by a vaccine dose, and that a single dose after infection would likely suffice. "A single vaccine dose will also play the role of reminding" their immune system how to fight Covid-19, it said. The authority recommended a gap of between three and six months after infection before individuals who had recovered from Covid-19 receive a jab. "At the moment no country has clearly positioned itself in terms of a sole vaccination dose for people who have already contracted Covid-19," it said. France has accelerated its vaccination programme in recent weeks but it is still in its infancy. As of Thursday, over 2.1 million people had received at least one vaccine dose, with almost 535,800 having already received two. At least 3.4 million people have had confirmed Covid-19 infections in France, although there are likely to have been far more given the relative lack of accessible testing during the pandemic's first wave. Two recent US studies suggest that a single vaccine dose may work in individuals who have already recovered from Covid-19. One paper said that immunity in individuals who had had Covid-19 and then received a single vaccine dose "is equal to or even exceeds" that of people who have not had Covid-19 but received two vaccine doses. A vaccine still in development by Johnson & Johnson works with a single dose, but it is yet to receive emergency use authorisation from EU and US regulators.

France recommends single vaccine dose for people who have had Covid

Culture deficiency: A French city's Mayor reopens museums defying coronavirus rules

While Frace has a 6 am-6 pm curfew for the past few weeks to contain the widespread of the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus?page=1">coronavirus </a>in the country, the cases have failed to decrease.&nbsp;

Now, with the new variant of coronavirus from the UK, the cases are being expected to see another spike.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-20-firefighters-accused-of-raping-minor-for-2-years-france-rallies-in-support-of-victim-361967">Paris: 20 firefighters accused of raping minor for 2 years; France rallies in support of victim</a>

The scientific committee advising the government of France has warned that another massive spike is expected very soon, and the experts believe the UK variant cases can rise by 50 per cent in a week.

Even though the proportion is low, as of now, the medical experts are expecting the UK variant to become more dominant and spread widely by the early weeks of March at max.

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After this warning, the France government has, reportedly, also considered a third lockdown in the country, similar to the UK, Ireland and Portugal.

This has also increased checking for coronavirus on travellers entering the country through international borders. There has been an increase in the elderly patients of COVID-19.&nbsp;

However, experts have also raised concern that there is a huge possibility that many elderly are staying home and ying of coronavirus at home, rather than coming to hospitals, leading to a discrepancy in official figures.

While Frace has a 6 am-6 pm curfew for the past few weeks to contain the widespread of the deadly coronavirus in the country, the cases have failed to decrease. Now, with the new variant of coronavirus from the UK, the cases are being expected to see another spike.

While Frace has a 6 am-6 pm curfew for the past few weeks to contain the widespread of the deadly coronavirus in the country, the cases have failed to decrease. Now, with the new variant of coronavirus from the UK, the cases are being expected to see another spike. Also read| Paris: 20 firefighters accused of raping minor for 2 years; France rallies in support of victim The scientific committee advising the government of France has warned that another massive spike is expected very soon, and the experts believe the UK variant cases can rise by 50 per cent in a week. Even though the proportion is low, as of now, the medical experts are expecting the UK variant to become more dominant and spread widely by the early weeks of March at max. Also read| France: At least 10 hurt, two missing in garage explosion in Bordeaux After this warning, the France government has, reportedly, also considered a third lockdown in the country, similar to the UK, Ireland and Portugal. This has also increased checking for coronavirus on travellers entering the country through international borders. There has been an increase in the elderly patients of COVID-19. However, experts have also raised concern that there is a huge possibility that many elderly are staying home and ying of coronavirus at home, rather than coming to hospitals, leading to a discrepancy in official figures.

UK variant of coronavirus expected to bring another wave in France: Experts