Restaurants and bars in Paris are set to close again next week as the Covid-19 infection rate climbs above 250 per 100,000 citizens.
The French government is getting ready to put Paris back in lockdown alongside five other cities, Grenoble. Lille, Lyon, Saint-Etienne and Toulouse.
Current legislation in France states that for a city or region to be placed on maximum alert the Covid-19 incidence rate must exceed 100 infections per 100,000 among the elderly and 250 per 100,000 among the general public. Both have now been passed in Paris.
Similarly to the UK, the French government has prioritised testing and is currently achieving over 1 million Covid-19 tests per week, with positive results climbing steeply. The results of tests in France are however seeing 75% returned within 48 hours, which enables actions to be taken from hard information.
Chefs and restaurateurs in Paris understandably unhappy about the news are planning to take to the streets in a protest today to try and change the closure ruling.
The difficulties being faced in France, and particularly Paris demonstrate again that hospitality businesses all over the world are currently facing issues similar to here in the UK. In recent interviews with H&C News many chefs and restaurateurs have been telling us that they are watching France and Italy closely, talking with friends and comparing notes. In such challenging times communications with peers are helpful and comforting.
There are many similarities between France and England and especially between London and Paris. London is also currently under threat of further lockdown restrictions as Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan is considering the lockdown of some London Boroughs where transmission is growing. Khan has said he will resist locking down all of London.
Precise details of what any further lockdown measures taken in London Boroughs could be are vague, the lack of clarification will add to speculation, which will not be helpful. Ministers are expected to meet next week to discuss measures in the capital, where Covid-19 infections continue to rise.
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Hospitality & Catering News: Restaurants Paris Covid Close – 2 October 2020 – Restaurants Paris Covid Close
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