Macron defends decision not to order third lockdown as third wave spreads

FILE PHOTO: French President Emmanuel Macron speaks via video during the World Economic Forum (WEF) of the Davos Agenda, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France January 26, 2021. Francois Mori/Pool via REUTERS

PARIS (Reuters) - President Emmanuel Macron defended his decision to hold off on a third lockdown on Saturday, telling the public he had faith in their ability to rein in COVID-19 with less severe curbs even as a third wave spreads and the vaccine rollout falters.

From Sunday, France will close it borders to all but essential travel to and from countries outside the European Union, while people arriving from within the bloc will have to show a negative test. Large shopping malls will be shut and police patrols increased to enforce a 6 p.m. curfew.