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PARIS – “Something is happening that scientists had not anticipated. We have to react now, ”says Prime Minister Jean Castex. France registers an increase of four times more cases than a month ago, with 39 positives per 100,000 inhabitants nationwideand a virus reproduction rate of 1.4 compared to 0.7 in May. So, 800 patients are hospitalized per week (500 a month and a half ago) and 21 departments (the French provinces) are “red zones”. The situations in Marseille and Paris are of particular concern. The latest data, released Friday night, is clear: there has been a new record of positive cases, 7,379 in the last 24 hours (even the swabs have never been that many, however: almost 900,000 in the last week). From this morning at 8 it was the obligation to wear an outdoor mask extends to the entire capital which was already underway in the busiest areas of the city and in other cities such as Marseille in Toulouse. A measure that could soon affect many other locations. “We are doing everything possible to avoid another blockade and, in particular, a national blockade,” Macron said, adding: “We have learned enough to know that nothing can be ruled out. But we are doing everything we can to avoid it.” added.
The mask in Paris
It is mandatory outdoors (it was already in shops and other closed places) throughout the capital and in neighboring municipalities: Whoever violates risks a fine of 135 euros. At first the authorities had foreseen the obligation for those who walk on the street but also for those who run or go by bicycle or scooter. Councilor Emmanuel Grégoire protested: “We tell people to take their bikes to avoid the crowds on public transporti, and then we ask you to wear a mask that is particularly uncomfortable when riding a bike. Then we shouldogliere the obligation of a mask for those who run: anyone who has been jogging once in his life he knows that it is impossible to do it with a mask in front of the nose and mouth ».
Controversy
The obligation to wear a mask outdoors comes a few days after the reopening of schools, on September 1, a crucial moment for society and the economy and also for the future evolution of the epidemic. The gradual return to classes had already begun last May, in stages, but now it is generalized for all students, who from the age of 11 must keep the mask during classes, junior high and high school. The fear is that school will eventually degrade an already difficult situation forever. and causing the arrival of the dreaded second wave in the fall. That is why the government insists on the masks, which nevertheless provoke protests and perplexity. Many remember the phrases of the Minister of Health Olivier Véran and the then government spokesman Sibeth Ndiaye, who at the beginning of the epidemic said lightly that “masks for everyone are useless”. Today they have become the main weapon in the fight against the virus with curious effects: in Paris, for example, it is forbidden to take them off to eat ice cream on the street. But it is still possible to sit at the outdoor tables to drink or eat something.or take off your mask for a picnic. Then there are the teachers, some of whom don’t want to be forced to wear a mask while teaching in class, from elementary to high school.
Neighbor countries
Faced with the uncomfortable data from France, Germany has decided to include the regions of Paris and Marseille in the red list of “areas at risk of virus circulation”. Those arriving in Germany from these areas are required to take the test and self-quarantine pending the result. A measure that French Chancellor Jean-Yves Le Drian also had to submit to before yesterday’s visit to Berlin. Belgium has also taken similar measures against those arriving from FranceBut there is still a lack of European coordination. The quarantine with France had already been decided at the beginning of summer by Spain, while for now there are no measures of this type with the other neighboring country, Italy.
August 28, 2020 (change August 28, 2020 | 19:44)
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