The French government says it will not be re-imposing a coronavirus lockdown in the short term but it has imposed even tighter restrictions to go with the continuing nationwide 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. 

"The question of a new lockdown legitimately arises given the latest data," said prime minister Jean Castex late on Friday, after an evening meeting with president Emmanuel Macron and senior ministers. 

"We know that confinement has a big impact on the French people and we think we can still give ourselves a chance to avoid another lockdown. That is why, in addition to the curfew which has had an impact but it's been limited, we have decided to take these additional measures." 
 

France's borders with non-EU countries will be closed except for essential travel. while anyone coming into France from any country – including EU neighbors – must have proof of a negative PCR test. Schools will stay open, but the prime minister urged people to work from home if they can. 

For some people in Paris, the move was seen as holding measure ahead of a new lockdown in the future. 

"Most French people are against another lockdown so I think this is designed to get us ready for another lockdown in the coming days or weeks. I think a new confinement will be imposed for sure," said Eliza, out shopping on Paris's famous Champs-Elysees avenue. 

Also out in the winter sun was Philippe, who told CGTN Europe that "the biggest issue is that schools are staying open as that could cause a big problem in terms of infections, but you have to find a good balance. I think these restrictions are going to last a long time." 
 

A third national lockdown in France had seemed inevitable this week following warnings by top health officials that one would be needed, and Macron was expected to announce a new shutdown this Sunday. 

The fact the prime minister spoke instead and eventually stopped short of announcing another confinement shows the constantly changing thinking within government as to the best way to contain the new coronavirus variants and high infection and death rates. 

The vaccine strategy in France is meant to be complementing the restrictions on work, socializing and shopping. But now dosage shortages in Europe mean the northern Hauts-de-France region, the greater Paris area and at least one other region, which when combined account for a third of France's population, are postponing giving out first doses. 

Europe faces a vaccine shortfall because Pfizer and Moderna have temporarily slowed supplies, while AstraZeneca said it would reduce volumes allocated to the EU in the first quarter due to production issues.