France announced that gatherings of more than 5,000 people in confined spaces are banned, and highly dissuades “la Bise” – the French practice of kissing on both cheeks.
This prompted cancellation of scheduled events such as the Paris half-marathon on Sunday, and an annual agricultural fair will be closing early.
On the other hand, Municipal elections on March 15 will take place as scheduled.
The French government made the announcement in an effort to slow down the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
Prior to this, French Health Minister Olivier Véran recommended people to avoid shaking hands when they meet.
At a media briefing held at the Elysee Palace on Saturday, he said, “The reduction in social contacts of a physical nature is advised.”
The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus infections in France has exceeded 100, which includeds 59 hospitalized patients, 12 recovered patients and 2 deaths.
An 80-year-old Chinese tourist died in France on Valentine’s Day, while a 60-year-old French man died in Paris on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Louvre Museum announced that they are closing their doors in an effort to help prevent the spread of the virus.
The biggest art museum in the world made the announcement via Twitter, after a discussion with health officials took place.
A staff member said that they are worried about contracting the disease from foreign visitors.
Andre Sacristin, a trade union spokesperson for the 2,000-plus Louvre workforce said, “The risk is very, very, very great.”
He added that it is “only a question of time” before any of their staff members is infected.
“We are very worried because we have visitors from everywhere,” he added.
Staff members are also worried that museum workers from northern Italy have come to the Louvre to collect works by Leonardo da Vinci that were loaned for a major exhibition.