France is currently fighting the second-wave of coronavirus for which another 4-week nationwide lockdown has been imposed recently, reports The New York Times. Just like the previous lockdown, citizens have been advised to remain home, and are allowed only a 1-hour outdoor exercise session daily.
However, as soon as the lockdown was announced, thousands of Parisians started fleeing from the capital city and this caused a massive traffic jam stretching for as far as 700 km, reports Hindustan Times. Imagine a traffic jam from Mumbai to Hyderabad – 700 kms is almost that long!
A video went viral on Twitter showing how the streets were packed with cars at 9 PM on Thursday as people tried to flee the city before the lockdown started at midnight. The traffic is absolutely insane! Have a look:
Incredible traffic jam in Paris as people try to leave the city before 9 pm curfew and before confinement begins at midnight. Traffic is barely moving in every direction as far as the eye can see. Lots of honking and frustrated drivers. pic.twitter.com/6Zn2HCxuPl
— Michael E. Webber (@MichaelEWebber) October 29, 2020
Restaurants and bars were also packed as people rushed for a meal and drinks to enjoy one last night outdoors before the lockdown, reports Daily Mail. Just like the previous lockdown, people started panic-buying essential items and went to the salon for one last trim.
However, the imposition of the lockdown didn’t go down well with several citizens. Many took to the streets to protest against it, flouting social distancing norms and safety measures.
"Macron demission" Ã Bordeaux… Qui l'eut cru ??
De AB7 Média pic.twitter.com/Z7XzenqbL7
— Pimprenelle from Massalia (@cunegonde1944) October 29, 2020
I feel so much better about Mumbai and Bangalore traffic jams. They are nothing in comparison to Paris!
Cover Image Source: Left.