Photos: Curfew begins for 20 million French people

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Some 20 million French people spent their first evening under curfew on Saturday, a measure taken by the government after an alarming surge in new coronavirus cases. Image Credit: Reuters

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The 9pm to 6am curfew came into force at midnight on Friday in the Paris region and eight other large cities, affecting nearly a third of the country's population. Image Credit: AP

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People will need a certificate for permitted activities, such as travel to or from work, for medical attention, to visit a dependent relative or to walk a dog. Image Credit: AP

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Those who do not comply risk a fine of 135 euros ($160), while repeat offenders could face fines of up to 3,750 euros ($4,400). Image Credit: AP

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Some 12,000 police officers and gendarmes, in addition to municipal police teams, will be deployed to enforce the curfew. Image Credit: AP

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Restaurant owners, for whom the second part of the evening represents an important part of turnover, have complained about the measure. "Closing at 9:00 pm will have no effect (on the epidemic). They're not attacking it in the right way," said Gerard, the manager of a Toulouse restaurant. Image Credit: AP

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The government has defended the measure as the only way to avoid a lockdown, at a time when indicators assessing the coronavirus epidemic, such as deaths and hospitalisations, are deteriorating across Europe. Image Credit: AP

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French health authorities on Friday recorded more than 25,000 new coronavirus cases, with 178 deaths. Image Credit: AP

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The curfew measure, which comes just ahead of a two-week school holiday, contains no travel restrictions, raising the prospect that huge numbers of families will flee cities for the country. Image Credit: AP

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Scheduled to last at least four weeks, the curfew could be extended if the epidemic does not show signs of abating. President Emmanuel Macron has already mentioned the date of December 1. Image Credit: AP

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A waiter closes a bar terrace in Paris. Image Credit: AP

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Empty subway during curfew in Paris. Image Credit: AP

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Empty Rivoli street. Image Credit: AP

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Empty Vendome square. Image Credit: AP

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Image Credit: AP

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Empty Champs Elysees. Image Credit: AP

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Almost empty Champs Elysees avenue. Image Credit: AP

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Empty Madeleine square. Image Credit: AP

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