The French government on Monday ordered the closure of discos in another measure to fight a rampant fifth wave of Covid-19 infections in the country.
The measure is to apply for four weeks from Friday, Prime Minister Jean Castex told a news conference.
Some 1,200 discos are affected by the closures, the Economy Ministry said, adding that they would receive support from the government.
Castex announced further restrictions, but they are far less severe than those seen earlier in the pandemic, despite a seven-day incidence per 100,000 residents of over 400.
"This is not the time for visitor caps, curfews or lockdowns. That would be disproportionate," the prime minister said.
With the new measures, compulsory mask-wearing is to be extended to primary schools. Companies are called upon to allow their employees to work from home and people should avoid meetings without masks, Castex said.
Booster vaccinations
In addition, the government wants to ramp up booster vaccinations in the country.
By the beginning of January, 15 million more people should be able to receive a booster jab.
According to Castex, people over the age of 65 should have priority and be able to receive the third shot without an appointment at vaccination centres.
People who have not yet been vaccinated at all should also be able to receive their first shot without an appointment.
