French President Emmanuel Macron said that from Tuesday midday, people should stay at home unless it was to buy groceries, travel to work, exercise or for medical care. Anyone flouting the restrictions, in place for at least the next two weeks, would be punished.

France's Prime Minister Edouard Philippe made the announcement Saturday, saying that most shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities would be closed starting midnight over the outbreak of a new virus that has spread throughout Europe.