BRUSSELS — France is to close its borders to countries outside the European Union from Sunday, but has stopped short of imposing a new lockdown as the country continues to battle the spread of coronavirus. Prime minister Jean Castex announced new measures on Friday, that will prohibit entry from non-EU countries “unless there are compelling reasons”, as he told France there was still a chance of avoiding another lockdown. "We can still give ourselves a chance to avoid confinement," he said at the Elysee Palace at the end of a Defense Council meeting. He warned “the question of a containment is legitimately raised” due to the number of COVID-19 cases the country is dealing with, stressing that “the next few days will be decisive”. Those entering the country from the EU will need a negative PCR test the exception of cross-border workers. On top of the travel restrictions, he announced a strengthening of controls on the 6 p.m. curfew which is currently in place nationwide, parties, and the illegal opening of restaurants, so that "the excesses of a few do not...ruin the efforts of all". An "instruction of particular firmness will be applied for those who defraud the rules in force," Castex said. Non-food shopping centers of more than 20,000 square meters will also be shut. France saw nearly 23,000 new COVID-19 infections on Friday and a high level of hospitalizations and admission in intensive care units. — Euronews