The French government issued red zone decrees for Paris and Marseille, after the number of COVID-19 infections in the two regions surged over the past two weeks.
The decree gives local authorities the power to impose local restrictions to curb the spread of disease.
As of Thursday (13 August), France reported more than 2,500 infections
New COVID-19 for the second day in a row, this level was last seen in mid-April, when the country was on one of the strictest lockdowns in Europe.
The red zone declaration means that local authorities in Paris and the Bouches-du-Rhone region can restrict the mobility of people and vehicles, restrict access to public transport and air travel, restrict access to public buildings, and close restaurants, bars, and other places.
The cities of Paris and Marseille in recent days have made the use of face masks mandatory in public places.
Previously, many had warned of a new wave of infections after tourists were allowed to visit again and restrictions on activity were no longer implemented.
