Malls and stores closed in France due to the pandemic

Malls, department stores, and large non-food stores are being closed across the country.

The French government has decided to tighten a series of businesses' restrictions to curb the virus's further spread. Malls, department stores, and large non-food stores across the country are also being closed. The new version of the anti-covid regulations has also decided to limit the maximum number of visitors and staff in all working retail facilities. Large queues are forming in supermarkets because residents of large cities do not have time to buy products within the regular opening hours. 

It is reported that IKEA has been forced to close 32 out of 34 IKEA stores in France due to new restrictions introduced by the French authorities at the beginning of February, leaving only two smaller outlets in operation. 

The French government has not announced for how long the work of extensive retail facilities will be suspended. At the same time, new, stricter quarantine measures were also affecting ordinary citizens. A curfew was imposed in the country, and travel to other countries was prohibited. 

Most residents needed to work remotely.  News agencies report that the number of cars on large cities' streets has decreased significantly - residents refuse to use cars to avoid numerous inspections. 

As of February 2021, more than 6,000 fines were issued in the country for violations of the pandemic restrictions. The minimum penalty is 135 euros. To date, law enforcement officers have fined citizens who are out on the street without prior authorization. 

Photo credit: depositphotos.com.

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