Prime Minister Jean Castex announced last night that French ski lifts must remain closed through the month of February 2021 because “the evolution of the health situation does not allow us at this stage to reopen."

Mr. Castex further said that the borders of France will remain closed to visitors from outside the EU in an effort to control the spread of COVID-19 while avoiding a third national lockdown. Visitors to France from inside the EU will be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test.

French businesses that rely on winter tourism - and provide directly and indirectly up to 400,000 jobs - will be eligible for financial aid.

Tourism Minister Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne said that people could still visit ski resorts, which are open but without operating lifts and restaurants.

Meanwhile business as usual continues at ski resorts in Switzerland and Spain.