After France restricted travel on March 15, people remained indifferent to the street, shopping in the park and queuing for goods.

The day before, the French government announced strict measures such as closing bars, restaurants and cinemas, after closing schools and banning crowds. French President Emmanuel Macron warned people to comply with "discipline" more, such as limiting contact with others, avoiding shopping when not needed.

"The epidemic has just begun and is escalating across Europe," Macron said, pledging to protect people's health and finances.

According to NY Times commentator Adam Nossiter, the message to the people of the French government neither concealed nor exaggerated the actual situation of Covid-19. However, the combination of Macron's warnings and reassurance does not seem to change people's indifference towards the disease.

After the travel restriction order was issued, the huge open-air market in the Bastille square, located in the heart of Paris, was still bustling with shoppers and the shops were still full of items such as oysters, fish, meat, Middle Eastern sandwiches or expensive mushrooms. "I will not raise prices just because of this virus strain!", A loud butcher to attract customers.

Commentator Nossiter said France had a separate blockade "version", when most shops and entertainment venues were closed, but churches and food markets were not in the blockade area.

In Bastille Square, people crowded the narrow spaces between the stalls. They hardly follow the government's rule of keeping a one meter distance from others to prevent the spread of nCoV. Very few people wear masks.

"One doesn't have to die," the salesman named Raymond Bouclet shrugged. He sells goat mushroom early in the season at the Bastille market for nearly $ 3 per tree and is quite crowded, even in the absence of tourists. "I am not worried about nCoV. It will make people weaker and ignore the rest," Bouclet said.

In the meantime, some people question the lack of government blockade, even if they benefit from it. "It is strange that they still allow markets and churches to work. Is that true? I find it is not very consistent," said Camille Gabarra, a market shopper.

The graphic designer also expressed support for restrictive commands to prevent the disease. "We must respect the government's measures," Gabarra said, adding that he canceled a lunch with his family and all appointments next week.

Others argue that markets need to be maintained because they are safer than closed stores. "Of course I'm a bit worried, but it feels safer outside. I'm trying to pay attention not to go into enclosed public spaces," said shopper Laure Chouraqui.

At a bakery near Nation square east of Paris, several dozen customers crowded each other, disobeying any distance rules. "We cannot live without bread. They cannot rob it from the French," said Bruno Lanterne, a 55-year-old hairdresser.

Despite the epidemic situation, local elections nationwide took place on March 15. "This is our duty. Our ancestors fought for the right to vote, so we have to respect it," said a 72-year-old voter named Marie-Madeleine Drillin.

At a polling station in Paris, voters line up in the school yard, keeping a distance of one meter, while employees here wear masks and rubber gloves. Posters remind people of the basic rules to avoid contamination, and handwashing water is also placed at the entrance.

"I have never seen anything like this. It's unbelievable," said Frederique Bach, a 33-year-old social worker. "The crisis has been underestimated, but now people are starting to get really nervous." The low rate of voters seems to prove the warning of some political opponents with Macron, that the decision not to postpone the election is a serious mistake.

Just one day later, France recorded an additional 1,200 nCoV infections, bringing the total number of people infected in the country to more than 6,600, ranking fourth in Europe. Macron on the same day decided to close the country from 12pm on 17/3 to control nCoV, while banning large crowds across the territory, including events to meet family.

Macron explained the new travel restriction was necessary after people remained indifferent to go out despite a weekend warning.

"Even when experts are warning about the seriousness of the situation, we still see people gathered in parks, shopping malls, while busy restaurants and bars disrespect closing orders. "It's as if life has not changed," the French president said, warning that such acts could put people in danger.

Blockade means that many people will not have income. Although French Minister of Economy and Finance Bruno Le Maire is committed to "do whatever is necessary" to support businesses, the fate of vulnerable workers, such as part-time and industry employees. Restaurant business, still vague.

Alexandre Piel, a waiter in a restaurant in eastern Paris, said he needed the money from this part-time job to pay tuition and daily expenses. "We hope this situation will not last, but there is no way to know," said the 20-year-old.

"We will obviously suffer," Piel added.