Universities, schools closed to deal with coronavirus

Laboratories battle on as France shuts down Paris to stop spread of virus

France has closed its universities for all teaching activities in the face of the coronavirus pandemic but research will continue, with laboratories across the country remaining open.

The decision to keep scientists going was made to ensure they continue working on testing diagnostic techniques and seeking potential treatments. Speaking on television on 12 March, French president Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to the work of researchers in the fight against the virus.