As the dreaded coronavirus continues to wreak havoc across the globe, France president Emmanuel Macron has taken a raft of measures to protect citizens and small businesses from escalating tough economic times.
In his address on Monday, March 16, evening, Macron relieved French nationals from paying rent, taxes and household bills for the time the country and entire world will be battling COVID-19 pandemic.
Macron also put the country on full lockdown and declared war on the dreaded virus which he exuded confidence would be defeated.
The 42-year-old leader urged citizens to remain indoors as a way of preventing the virus which has been spreading rapidly, making Europe the new epicentre of coronavirus.
Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said the government will only allow people to leave their houses if going for shopping, pharmacy or heading to absolutely essential work.
Those who would want to leave their homes for other reasons would be required to download a form and fill it stating why and where they would want to go, failure to which they would be subjected to a punitive fine.
European nations have shut their borders as the global pandemic continues to cause fatalities.
So far, France has recorded over 6000 cases of COVID-19 and 148 deaths from the pandemic.
BREAKING NEWS
French President Emmanuel Macron has suspended payment of electricity, water bills and rent for businesses as Coronavirus continues to spread and destabilize business across the country. pic.twitter.com/42H6tojEku
— Newslibre Breaking News (@NewslibreBrk) March 17, 2020