Faced with the increase in the number of people infected by Covid-19, the Bouches-du-Rhône department is placed in the red zone. This means that the virus is actively circulating and continues to spread. The prefect of the Provence-Alpes-Côtes-d’Azur and Bouches-du-Rhône region, Christophe Mirmand, held a press conference on Monday, September 14. What measures are being taken to stop the spread of the epidemic?
Intensify health protection measures
The region will strengthen the detection and traceability of contact cases. To do this, screening campaigns will multiply thanks to the support of professional teams. Some people are given priority to be tested for Covid-19, such as those who show symptoms or who work in the health sector. The wearing of the mask extends in all the municipalities in which the incidence rate exceeds the threshold of 100/100 000 inhabitants, from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., except in the creeks of Marseille. The protection of the elderly in the structures is consolidated, through preventive tests for new staff and professionals returning from leave. Visits are authorized, up to one per day and two people maximum.
“Reconciling the resumption of daily life with the fight against the epidemic rebound”
Some businesses close from 12:30 am to 6:00 am, such as cafes, restaurants or bars. The sale of alcohol after 8:00 p.m. is prohibited, as well as gatherings, on public roads, around music. Controls are more frequent and the sanction severe: the establishment which does not respect these measures will be closed. All events that were supposed to take place are canceled, such as parties or fairs, and demonstrations of more than 1,000 people. School outings are also postponed, except those concerning the practice of sport. For establishments intended to accommodate the public and only those able to comply with the health protocol, the number of people is limited to 1,000 and spectators must occupy one seat in two. In outdoor spaces (beach, public gardens, parks), static gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited. The prefecture relies on the inhabitants of Bouches-du-Rhône to be civic and responsible. The effectiveness of barrier measures will be optimal only if all people comply with them. The fight against the epidemic linked to the new coronavirus must be collective.
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