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Would the French accept being in lockdown over Christmas?

The Local France
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Would the French accept being in lockdown over Christmas?
Will this be a lockdown Christmas? Photo: AFP

While being in lockdown is not exactly pleasant, a recent poll of French people showed that 70 percent would agree to lockdown being extended over Christmas if the health situation demanded it.

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France's currently lockdown runs until December 1st, but the government has been clear that it could be extended if the health situation demands it.

The last data from French hospitals is increasingly concerning, although it will be at least another week before any effect from the lockdown starts to show up in health data.

READ ALSO ANALYSIS How long will France's second lockdown last

So with many people's thoughts already turning to Christmas, French daily Le Parisien commissioned a poll about people's attitudes to a possible lockdown extension over the festive season.

The survey - conducted by French pollsters Ifop - revealed that 71 percent of people supported an extension of lockdown after December 1st, even if that meant the festive season was spent under confinement.

 

The survey revealed some differences among demographics and geography - among under 25s only 61 percent would accept an extended lockdown and in Paris only 65 percent would accept a locked-down festive season.

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Unsurprisingly people who worked in retail, the sector which along with hospitality and tourism has suffered the most from the lockdown, were the least enthusiastic. But even here, 64 percent of those asked said they would accept a lockdown extension if the health situation demanded it. For a fuller breakdown of the survey results, click here.

France's second lockdown is less severe that the one in spring, with schools remaining open and many people still able to go to work.

Non-essential shops have again been ordered to close, but this time they are allowed to offer 'click and collect' services so people can order online.

Nonetheless, just like in spring, any trip out of the home requires an attestation permission form and must be for an 'essential' reason.

READ ALSO These are the 'essential' reasons you can leave home during France's lockdown

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