Paris Bars to Close as French Capital Placed on Maximum Covid Alert

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"There is no justification for denial," said Paris region health director Aurelien Rousseau on Sunday. "The numbers are what they are, and they are weighing heavily."

'We're French, we love to drink'

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin acknowledged that the closure of bars and cafes would be "tough" for everyone concerned.

"We are French, we love to drink, to eat, to live, to smile and to kiss each other," he told broadcasters LCI and Europe 1 on Sunday.

"But we're also doing this because the people want us to," he added.

BFM television on Sunday published a poll saying that 61 percent of people living in the French capital and its suburbs were in favor of a complete closure of Paris bars, currently authorized to remain open until 10pm.

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Mayor Hidalgo told reporters on Sunday: "It's not a done deal, there is still work being done, we're still talking." But she also conceded that the health situation was "very serious".

The government has said it will primarily target establishments that "serve alcoholic drinks without food".