France said on Friday that it would close its borders to non-European Union countries as cases rise and the government struggles to avoid a new lockdown. Jean Castex, the French prime minister, said that all travel between France and nations outside of the E.U. would be banned starting on Sunday, with exceptions made only for urgent matters, The New York Times reported.

The new restrictions will affect the UK, now no longer in the EU, but its transport minister clarified on Twitter that the change would not impact hauliers transporting goods to or from the UK. All arrivals from inside the EU will also now have to present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test – with the exception of cross-border workers. This rule previously only applied to air and sea arrivals, not those arriving by road, BBC wrote.

In an attempt to stem the number of new infections, Castex said big shopping centres — excluding those selling food — would be closed from Sunday and enforcement of the current 6pm curfew would be stepped up, according to France 24.

On top of the travel restrictions, Castex announced a strengthening of controls on the 6pm curfew which is currently in place nationwide, parties, and the illegal opening of restaurants, so that “the excesses of a few do not…ruin the efforts of all”. “We want to do everything we can to avoid another lockdown. The coming days will be decisive. Let’s be very vigilant,” Mr Castex said, as reported by Euronews.

Also check out:

• Finland closes borders for non-essential travel to all Schengen countries
• Norway to close borders for almost everyone

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