Bordeaux's strict new coronavirus rules revealed

No more than 1,000 people will be allowed at large-scale outdoor events in the Gironde until further notice, the department's prefect has announced in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus.

The restriction on public outdoor gatherings - heavily reduced from the previous maximum of 5,000 - was one of a number of "new measures intended to respond to the evolution of the health situation in the metropolis of Bordeaux", revealed on Monday afternoon, less than a week before Bordeaux faces Edinburgh in rugby's Challenge Cup quarter final at Stade Chaban Delmas.

The prefect also limited gatherings of family and friends to a maximum of 10 people, in individual or public spaces such as parks, gardens, beaches, or on the quays in Bordeaux.

Other key restrictions include:

• Fairgrounds, flea markets and neighbourhood parties are forbidden;
• More buses and trams will operate at peak hours to reduce crowding;
• Social events will have to respect "a strict sanitary protocol" otherwise they will be forbidden;
• Masks must be worn inside and within 50m of sports halls, theatres, educational campuses and conservatoires;
• Sports clubs' dressing rooms will be closed;
• Checks on businesses to ensure they are maintaining health protocols will be stepped up, and homeworking will be recommended where possible;
• Student parties and school outings are suspended;
• European Heritage Days, scheduled for later this month, are cancelled in the Bordeaux metropolitan area;
• No alcohol can be consumed in public streets in the city.