Covid-19: “second phase of containment” in Martinique, tourists invited to leave

Published on : 08/09/2021 – 23:32

While the Covid-19 epidemic is experiencing a worrying upsurge, the prefect of Martinique said Monday evening that the territory was entering a “second phase of containment” during which non-essential businesses and beaches would be closed. He also invited tourists on the spot to leave the island.

Martinique, in the grip of a severe rebound in the Covid-19 epidemic, will enter a “second phase of containment”, involving in particular the closure of beaches and the invitation to tourists to “leave the territory”, indicated Monday August 9 the prefect.

“We are going to enter a second phase of confinement. (…) Shops will be closed, except food shops and pharmacies,” said the prefect of the West Indian department, Stanislas Cazelles, inviting “all people in a situation of tourism who are vulnerable to leave the territory “.

“The hotels will be closed, except for the reception needs of professionals and people residing in the territory, it will be the same for seasonal rentals,” added the prefect. The “stores useful for the start of the school year” will reopen when “the health situation has improved”.

Restricted movements

“Companies and administrations are also invited to participate in this containment effort, they are invited to organize the service so that as many employees as possible can work remotely”, added Stanislas Cazelles.

The prefect of the overseas department explained that “places of leisure and culture will be closed”, in particular “the beaches”, which “will no longer be accessible to the public”.

Martinicans are also required to travel a maximum of one kilometer around their home.

“These rules are strict, they will be lifted as soon as the health situation allows”, promised the representative of the State, noting a “review clause in 15 days”.

“Extremely worrying” situation

The Minister of Health, Olivier Véran, is due to visit Martinique on Thursday, faced with a situation described as “extremely worrying” by the director of the local ARS, Jérôme Viguier, while some 240 caregivers are due to arrive on Tuesday for a mission 15-day support in the West Indies.

Martinique has one of the highest incidence rates in France, nearly 1,200 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, as well as a hospital pressure of 227%. The population of the island is also very little vaccinated, less than 22% of the population having received a first dose.

With AFP

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