France's Macron: second French lockdown to last initially until December 1

A cat is pictured as French President Emmanuel Macron is seen on a screen as he addresses the nation about the state of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in France, in Nice, France October 28, 2020. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard

PARIS (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron said the new nationwide lockdown starting on Friday will initially remain in place until December 1 to stop the exponential spread of the coronavirus.

He added that if in two weeks time, the health situation had improved, the government will review the possibility of re-opening some shops deemed as non-essential.