French PM Jean Castex urges 8-day quarantine before Christmas

As the holiday season approaches, French Prime Minister Jean Castex is encouraged people to self-confine for eight days before meeting family and friends at Christmas, rather than taking an automated coronavirus test.

Speaking on Europe-1 Radio Tuesday, Castex said such an approach prevents laboratories and pharmacies from becoming clogged.

He also indicated parents could take their children out of school this coming Thursday and Friday so they can begin self-containment too.

France on Tuesday is lifting a lockdown imposed on October 28, but strict measures are still in place as infections are still high.

There will be a nationwide curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m, which will be lifted on Christmas Eve but not on New Year's Eve.

Theatres and cinemas will remain shut, as will bars and restaurants.

(Image credit: Jean Castex/ Instagram)