As the epidemic situation "deteriorates", government spokesman Gabriel Attal said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Jean Castex would hold a press conference on Thursday.

In Dunkirk, new restrictions decisions are expected in the coming hours. 

The situation in the fight against Covid-19 "is deteriorating" and "is very worrying in a dozen departments", government spokesman Gabriel Attal said Wednesday after the cabinet meeting.

This degradation "imposes rapid and strong measures," said the spokesperson, indicating that Prime Minister Jean Castex would hold a press conference on Thursday.

>> LIVE -

 Follow the evolution of the situation Wednesday February 24

"Certain territories even impose decisions, rapid and strong measures in the face of the imminent risks before us," insisted Gabriel Attal.

"We showed it last week in Moselle, we showed it this weekend in the Alpes-Maritimes: as soon as the situation requires it, we do not hesitate to take rapid and strong measures and decisions , but for effective decisions ".

Olivier Véran expected in Dunkirk

The government spokesman notably recalled that the Minister of Health Olivier Véran is due to go to Dunkirk on Wednesday afternoon, where the incidence rate has exceeded 900 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (the national average stands at 105 , the alert threshold being at 50). 

In the North, decisions to restrict movement, such as confinement on Saturdays and Sundays, as applied in the Alpes-Maritimes, are notably expected in the coming hours.

CORONAVIRUS ESSENTIALS

> Are private parties really prohibited with the curfew?

> Coronavirus: a universal vaccine available "towards the end of the year"

> The English variant would cause slightly different symptoms

> Audio, webcams ... When technology adapts to teleworking

> Containment is good for the planet

"We can do it in other territories if it turns out to be necessary," said Gabriel Attal.

"Our line of conduct has not changed: first targeted responses, precise braking measures and extend them if necessary," he added.