The French government yesterday rejects a request by the Paris mayor to reopen parks and public gardens.

Mayor Anne Hidalgo said on Twitter she had renewed a request to open parks and gardens closed since mid-March, “taking into account the needs of Parisians, because Paris is a very dense city”. But the request has been shut down as the city is facing coronavirus lockdown.

Her request came a day after Parisians were seen gathering in droves in public spaces laughing, hugging, and sharing meals despite the government urging people to maintain social distancing to limit the spread of the virus. Police had to intervene to break up groups of people violating the rules with celebratory gatherings.

France is following the strict measures to ensure the risk of virus. These measures include keeping cafes, restaurants, bars, many schools, parks and gardens shuttered, and a ban on gatherings of more than 10 people. Masks are compulsory on public transport nationwide, and for teachers, but not in other public spaces.

Health Minister Olivier Veran rejected Hidalgo’s request to reopen parks, without referring to her bid to make masks compulsory.

According to the minister’s sayings, “No, we will not open parks and gardens in Paris and in Ile-de-France, nor in the other regions classified as red zones.”

France has recorded over 26,000 deaths due to the coronavirus outbreak so far, with 263 new cases reported on Monday.