EU lawmakers reluctantly decamp to France for first pandemic session

FILE PHOTO: A flag with colors of the British Union Jack flag and the European Union flag is seen after a debate on Brexit at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, September 18, 2019. REUTERS/Vincent Kessler/File Photo

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Hundreds of European lawmakers and staff travel to Strasbourg next week for the European Parliament's first session since the COVID-19 pandemic struck, though many think it is too early to return.

Temperature checks, masks, a French curfew and multiple health tests await them, with a mandatory quarantine upon their return to Belgium if they are away for more than 48 hours.