Paris is taking extra action to stop the rise in COVID-19 infections. Parisians can no longer exercise outdoors between the hours of 10am and 7pm. This is because people went into the streets in recent good weather. They broke lockdown rules. There have been over 10,000 deaths in France. It is in fourth place on the world fatalities list. The mayor of Paris said the new rule would help stop the virus from spreading. It could also help to flatten the curve.
Scientists said there is more of the virus in the air when people exercise. When cyclists or joggers sneeze, cough or exhale, micro-particles stay longer in the air and spread farther. People behind them have to walk through a cloud of droplets. People should avoid those who exercise. They should give walkers four metres, runners 10 metres and cyclists at least 20 metres. The message is simple - stay at home and follow social distancing rules when outside.