In the Pyrénées-Orientales, the mask is once again compulsory in public spaces

Wearing a mask will be compulsory in public spaces, except at the beach and in large natural spaces, in all the municipalities of the Pyrénées-Orientales, from Saturday until August 2, the prefecture announced on Friday July 16. in a press release, due to a very sharp increase in Covid-19 cases. The consumption of drinks containing alcohol is also prohibited on public roads and public spaces outside restaurants and bars.

Bordering Spain and very touristy, Roussillon currently has the highest incidence rate in metropolitan France, at 257 per 100,000 inhabitants, against 12.7 on July 2 and 129.9 on July 12.

The prefect, Etienne Stoskopf, took these two orders in order to curb the spread of Covid-19, in particular that of the Delta variant, which has been experiencing for a few days “Worrying growth”. “These measures may be supplemented depending on the evolution of health indicators and the strain on the hospital system”, add the State services.

On July 12, Occitanie was the first region in mainland France to exceed the alert threshold of 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, according to the Regional Health Agency (ARS) Occitanie, which had reported a “Unprecedented speed” the spread in the Pyrénées-Orientales with, “In one week, a fivefold increase in the incidence rate”, especially among youth. “There is undoubtedly the tourist aspect on the coast and the density. There is also in part an impact linked to the proximity to Spain ”, then explained the ARS.

Article reserved for our subscribers Read also Covid-19: what the preliminary health bill contains

New restrictions in Corsica

Neighboring Spain is facing a real explosion of cases due to the spread of the Delta variant, mainly among those under 30, still little vaccinated, with 1,508 cases per 100,000 inhabitants during the last fourteen days recorded Wednesday among the 20 -29 years.

Faced with this fifth wave, several Spanish regions have reinstated restrictions such as curfews, the closure of indoor discos or limits for the opening hours of shops or meetings between people.

Article reserved for our subscribers Read also Covid-19: in Spain, a new wave “at the speed of spectacular spread”

In France, faced with the epidemic rebound, the prefecture of Haute-Corse announced on Tuesday evening new restrictive measures, applicable from July 14 to 1^er August, in Balagne and Saint-Florent, to fight against the spread of Covid-19 in these small regions highly popular with tourists.

Article reserved for our subscribers Read also In Corsica, festive clusters pose the threat of Covid-19 over the summer season

The World with AFP