France Faces The Coronavirus

PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 17: (EDITORS NOTE: Image is a digital composite) The two-part picture combo shows with 2 days apart, above empty Esplanade des Invalides while a strict lockdown comes into in effect in France to stop the spread of COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus. A strict lockdown requiring most people in France to remain at home came into effect at midday on March 17, 2020, prohibiting all but essential outings in a bid to curb the coronavirus spread. Below at the same place two days before, People continue to gather at Esplanade des Invalides despite French Prime Minister Edward Philippe announced that France will shut most shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities from midnight on March 14th to slow down the spread of the coronavirus on March 15, 2020 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)