- Self-quarantine cut to seven days in bid to spur compliance
- French health official sees ‘exponential’ spread in some parts
France reported more than 9,000 new Covid-19 infections for the second consecutive day and said hospitalizations are on the rise, signaling another worrisome turn in Europe’s pandemic.
Prime Minister Jean Castex said there’s a “clear degradation” in France as the virus spreads mostly among young people, which also is causing more cases among the most vulnerable. Daily virus-related deaths rose by 80, the most since mid-July, according to official data on Friday.
“The percentage of positive cases won’t stop increasing.” Castex said in a speech in Paris. “For the first time in many weeks, we’re seeing a significant increase in hospitalizations.”
In a bid to win compliance from a virus-weary public, France will reduce the self-quarantine period for people who test positive to seven days from 14, Castex said.
