Europe breaks records for covid-19 infections 0:42
(CNN) -–
Just a few weeks ago, cafes, bars and restaurants in Paris were bustling late into the night, neon signs were glowing, and patrons wearing masks could be seen on flower-filled terraces, still enjoying themselves. of his freedom after a strict spring closure.
The street life that the city is famous for had returned.
And it was almost as if the French capital had been the same as before.
Now those same streets are deserted again, following the imposition of a new strict night curfew to combat a worrisome rise in coronavirus cases in France.
A growth that is part of a broader trend of increasing numbers across Europe.
Recreation venues must close and citizens must stay home between 9 pm and 6 am throughout Paris.
Other French cities, such as Aix-en-Provence, Grenoble, Marseille, Montpellier, Toulouse, Saint Etienne, Lille, Rouen and Lyon are also affected by the decision.
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Violation of the rules carries a fine of 135 euros (approximately US $ 160) for the first offense, and goes up to 1,500 euros (US $ 1,760) if repeated.
Photographer Kiran Ridley toured the boulevards and alleys of Paris on October 17, the night the curfew was introduced, to capture what the city looks like when the lights go out.
And to contrast these chilling images with snapshots of more animated scenes from the same places in September and early October.
The images show that familiar Parisian bustle and the warm glow of cafes replaced by cool corners and graffiti-covered blinds.
The Eiffel Tower is still illuminated on the horizon.
However, in the subsequent images no one is there to enjoy its beauty.
The street responses to the curfew in Paris
CNN also took to the streets of Paris to speak with locals and get their opinions on the new restrictions.
"Nine at night has become the new midnight," said a French student named Alexiane.
The 22-year-old questioned whether crowds going to restaurants and rushing to the subway when curfew hits are better than trips home at midnight.
She also feels that reducing the time to socialize at night is "killing the little bits of fun we still had as young people."
That said, the student hopes that the new measures will help reduce the cases of covid-19.
"We are beginning to feel a general fatigue of having to make sacrifices," he said of the curfew in Paris.
READ: These tips can help you avoid pandemic fatigue caused by coronavirus stress
At a Parisian bistro called Bar du Central, 23-year-old Mathilde, whose family owns the restaurant, spoke to CNN from behind the bar as she washed glasses and prepared for the upcoming workday.
The curfew has economic impacts on businesses, Mathilde explained.
"We are losing billing overnight," he said.
Mathilde added that it is difficult to rely on attendance at lunchtime when many Parisians are working from home or have left the city.
And making sure the evening diners have finished eating and left before 9pm is tough.
“It spoils the whole restaurant experience, but we have to adapt, he says.
Tourism in France has already declined due to widespread travel restrictions and quarantine requirements.
Mathilde believes that the curfew will further affect the city's tourist trade.
"Tourists don't want to come to visit Paris because of the curfew," he said.
Other Parisians who spoke to CNN said they supported the new restrictions as a way to decrease cases.
And that they were enjoying the added benefit of a drop in noise pollution.
"The curfew is not a problem for me," said Mylene, who chatted with CNN while standing outside a bakery in the rain.
“It is important to take care and make health our priority rather than the economy.
My street has become much quieter since the curfew, it's nice, "he said.
Lisa, a manager of a clothing store that closes at 7pm every day under the new restrictions, only has a couple of hours between the end of work and the start of curfew.
Lisa misses being able to relax at night after work, but she is generally supportive of restrictions.
“It allows me to rest a little and drink less alcohol.
If the curfew leads to a reduction in cases, then I am in favor of that measure, "he said.
"Okay, we can wait two months and party later," he added.
Francesca Street reported for this story from London.
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