Effective immediately, all public parks in Paris are closed and a curfew for minors from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. has been implemented, Mayor Steve Clifford announced Monday.
“The coronavirus pandemic is progressing, and unfortunately, many people in Paris are not practicing social isolation. There are still groups of teenagers meeting together in public places and also at private residences. There are also large groups of people who are gathering in our public parks. Kids are interacting with other kids, and the virus is undoubtedly being spread because of this,” said Mayor Clifford in a statement.
Clifford said he had hoped to avoid a community-wide shut down in Paris.
“If we do this shutdown, numerous businesses will likely close their doors permanently. Economic development in Paris may well be set back by 10 years or more. Neither Judge Bell nor I want to implement this unless it is absolutely necessary for the public health. If the citizens do not follow the recommendations regarding social isolation, this may sadly become necessary.”
He further stated closing public parks is to stop overcrowding in these areas and to stop the spread of the virus.
Additionally, Clifford said by implementing the curfew for minors, he hopes it will discourage young people from congregating together.
“This should also help to limit the spread of the virus. I will also be in contact with several retail outlets in Paris to be certain that they have policies in place to prevent large numbers of people in their stores at a time.”
“Hopefully, these actions will help to contain the coronavirus. Even with all of these measures in place, it may become necessary to shut down all non-essential businesses in Paris and also to order everyone to remain in their homes except for essential travel. Please stay informed regarding city and county recommendations and mandates. Nothing matters more to me than the safety of our friends and family in Paris and in the surrounding communities.”
