Jean-Luc Melenchon
French Prime Minister Jean Castex takes part to a debate of the new Covid-19 measures at the National Assembly in Paris, Thursday, April 1, 2021. French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday announced a three week nationwide school closure and a month-long domestic travel ban as the rapid lisped of the virus ramps up pressure on hospitals. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
French government defends fresh measures against virus surge

Apr. 01, 2021 07:07 AM EDT

This sketch provided Saturday April 4, 2020 by the French Government Information Service (SIG) shows the transfers of patients infected with the Covid-19 virus in France. On high-speed trains fitted out like hospitals and military planes, France has moved hundreds of intensive care patients around the country in an exceptional effort to relieve congested hospitals and stay ahead of the fast-moving virus. But critics say President Emmanuel Macron waited far too long to act and that France, with one of the world's best health care systems, should never have faced this crisis to begin with. (SIG via AP)
France turns to speedy trains to catch up in virus response

By Sylvie Corbet And Angela Charlton Apr. 05, 2020 03:06 AM EDT