The prefect of Alpes-Maritimes, Bernard Gonzalez, announced it. A large part of the azure coast will be confined for the next two weekends.
“The current epidemic situation requires a restriction of movement, and therefore a partial lockdown.” This statement, delivered by Bernard Gonzalez, was the main topic of discussion among the people of Nice in recent days. Since the visit of Olivier Véran, Minister of Solidarity and Health, and the recent statements by Christian Estrosi, the mayor of Nice, the residents of the City of Angels could fear a tightening of the rules. And indeed, it will happen, with the implementation of a confinement for the next two weekends. This decision affects the coastline, from Menton to Théoule-sur-Mer, as well as the urban metropolis (Grasse, Vence…)
No outings, except with a waiver, will be allowed between Friday 6 p.m. and Monday 6 a.m. “The acceleration of the vaccination campaign is necessary, we need to go faster,” acknowledges Bernard Gonzalez. The Alpes-Maritimes, heavily affected by Covid-19, is the first department in France to undergo such measures. The blame lies with very worrying figures. The metropolis thus has an incidence rate three times higher than the national average (741 per 100,000 inhabitants on February 17, compared to 190 nationally).
Measures similar to the last confinement
Regarding the measures implemented, stores larger than 5000 m² will be required to close, unless they belong to the food or medical sector. This measure will come into effect starting tomorrow. The prefect also announced a tightening of the rules around businesses. Now, merchants must adhere to the standard of one customer per 15 m², versus 10 currently. This will help reduce the number of customers in shopping centers.
Bernard Gonzalez also wants to implement “Covid mediators,” intended to enforce barrier gestures in these centers. Non-essential businesses (hairdressers, beauticians…) will have to close during the next two weekends. Professional sports competitions will be maintained. Furthermore, police checks will be increased. No outings will be authorized, except with a waiver. Other stricter measures could be taken if the figures do not improve in the coming days.
