Coronavirus: France lockdown extension ‘very likely’ as police fine thousands for violating home isolation order

Over 4,000 fines handed out to ‘imbeciles’ on first full day of strict containment measures

French police officers check cyclists in front of the Arc de Triomphe as lockdown is imposed to slow the spreading of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in Paris, France, 18 March, 2020 (Reuters)

France will “very likely” extend its 15-day lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus, according to the country’s head of public health.

Confinement measures would need to be implemented for up to four weeks in order to curb the deadly virus, said Genevieve Chene, director of Santé Publique France, on Thursday.

The warning came after interior minister Christophe Castaner revealed that French police handed out 4,095 fines to people violating the strict rules, which came into force on Tuesday.

Under the rules, anyone leaving their home must fill out a form stating the reason why. Justifiable reasons include individual exercise, buying food or medical supplies, and walking the dog. The measures are not as strict as those in other parts of Europe, where not even outdoor exercise is permitted.

A fine of €35 for anyone violating France’s lockdown was increased to €135 on Thursday – but Castaner said this could increase to €375 in the coming days.

“This is discipline and a civic mentality,” he said. “If needed we will be rigorous and will sanction people. Most of the French people have been responsible and have changed their behaviour, but there are a minority behaving in a dangerous way.

“There are people who think they are modern heroes for breaking the rules but they are imbeciles.”

In a separate interview with Europe 1 radio station, Castaner also said the 15-day lockdown would be extended “if necessary”.

French ministers are working on a bill to declare a national health emergency, which would give the government unprecedented powers to requisition vehicles and buildings to help transport and treat patients.

“These measures aim to protect citizens from the epidemic, but the declaration would also introduce exceptional economic and social measures that are required by this exceptional situation,” said prime minister Edouard Philippe in a public address.

There have so far been more than 9,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus in France, making it the seventh-worst affected country. Close to 1,000 infected patients remain in a critical condition, meaning the death toll of 264 is expected to increase.

In a televised address on Monday announcing the lockdown, French president Emmanuel Macron condemned people for not following government guidelines about social distancing.

Around 100,000 police have been mobilised and checkpoints set up throughout the country to enforce the rules.