Universities dodge complete closure in France’s third lockdown

Research and education to remain partially open as Paris and 15 other regions shut doors

French universities have been spared a third extended closure in a year, despite swathes of the country being ordered to shut up shop to reduce coronavirus infection rates.

Responding to the growing spread of the virus across France, the government implemented new restrictions on public life and business on 19 March. Non-essential retail has been closed and employers have been ordered to implement remote working for four days out of five in 16 regions, including Paris.