Mandatory WFH, ban on gathering, eating and drinking in public places: France imposes new curbs amid spike in COVID-19 cases

The new rules will be in place for at least three weeks, he said. The move comes after France recorded more than 100,000 virus infections in a single day for the first time in the pandemic. 

Paris: The French government announced new COVID-19 measures on Monday in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus yet stopped short of imposing drastic restrictions before New Year's Eve.

Starting from next week, big events will be limited to 2,000 people indoors and 5,000 people outdoors. People will be requested to sit down during concerts and customers won't be allowed to stand up in bars, French Prime Minister Jean Castex said.

Eating and drinking will be banned in cinemas, theaters, sport facilities and public transportation, including on long-distance routes. Working from home will be mandatory at least three days per week for employees whose job makes it possible, he added.