France has tightened its lockdown measures in a bid to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.

The French government implemented lockdown last Tuesday, asking citizens to stay at home, leaving only for essential activities such as buying food or exercising.

Those who go out must carry a form that describes the reason for leaving home, with violators facing fines of 135 euros, or about 144 dollars.

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said on television on Monday that the lockdown, which is supposed to end on March 31, could last several more weeks.

Tightening the lockdown rules, he said that from Tuesday, people will only be allowed to exercise one hour a day, within one kilometer of their home. He added that open-air markets will be closed in principle.

The prime minister also said that burial ceremonies should be restricted to 20 people.

The pandemic is continuing to sweep across France. As of Monday, the country had reported nearly 20,000 coronavirus cases, including 860 deaths.

NHK