France goes into total coronavirus lockdown with 100,000 police to enforce restrictions on movement

French president, Emmanuel Macron has put France on total lockdown with the country’s borders closed in order to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The President addressed the nation on Monday night after the number of coronavirus cases “doubled every three days” to more than 5,000 people.

He said the country was effectively “at war” as he announced a 15-day lockdown beginning on midday on Tuesday with 100,000 police to enforce restrictions on movement.

“Movements will be very strongly reduced” for 15 days.  “Never before in history has France had to take such exceptional measures in a time of peace,” Macron said. ”You will no longer be able to see your loved ones … or continue your daily routine.”

While the lockdown will affect about 67 million people, the President added that people will only be permitted to leave their homes only for essential duties and any violation of the edict would be punished.

His Interior Minister Christophe Castaner later confirmed that anyone walking outside “for any reason” will have to download a form stating the reason for their trip.

According to him, if they do not comply with this they could be fined up to £188.

France has suffered 5,500 cases of coronavirus and 127 deaths, making it the seventh-worst affected country.