The French government is telling citizens to stay away from the Region of Catalonia in Spain, which has noticed a strong build-up in COVID-19 cases.
The Spanish tourism industry has done a lot of lobbying to keep the border open between the two countries. While French citizens can still do so in Catalan, French Prime Minister Jean Castex said he was negotiating with the Spanish government to restrict the number of border crossings, according to Reuters.
“With regard to the scenario in Catalonia, which has annoying indicators of infection, we strongly inspire French citizens to go until the stage improves,” Castex said at a press conference.
If the border with Catalan were to be closed, it is not known how it would be applied. The Franco-Spanish border extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, where Basque culture extends to both countries. If French tourists can continue to go to the Basque Country in Spain, it may be difficult to stick to them if they head east in Catalan.
While Catalonia, which includes Barcelona, has experienced its own boom, France has also begun to see with the reopening of the tourism sector. This includes 1,062 new Covid-19 instances reported on Thursday, according to the French public fitness service.
Health officials sounded the alarm and the country forced to wear mask for all interiors open to the public.
Hoping to fend off the epidemic, the Catalan government has closed nightclubs, bars and restaurants. But with a 15-day closure, those institutions might not open in time to save much of the summer tourist season.
I am an American journalist in Toulouse, France, and I write about technology, travel, culture, politics and entertainment. Before I moved to France in 2014, I spent 15
I am an American journalist founded in Toulouse, France, and I write about technology, Array culture, politics and entertainment. Before moving to France in 2014, I spent 15 years covering Silicon Valley for the Los Angeles Times and The San Jose Mercury News. I also run the French website Carrefour.