Mixed reaction in Perpignan after the return of compulsory mask wearing on the street

From 6 am on Saturday 17 July until 2 August, residents of the Eastern Pyrenees will again be required to wear a mask outdoors in the department, with the exception of beaches and large natural areas. Prefect Etienne Stoskopf issued the prefectural decree on Friday, July 16, following a sharp increase in the number of cases of the delta variant of Covid-19, exceeding the 200-case limit set by the President of the Republic at the beginning of the week. Over the week, the incidence rate per 100 thousand residents increased in the department from 41.5 to 258.8 cases. An increase that was worth a step back in deconfinement.

“To be honest, I’m not sure I’ll wear it all the time! »

The prefecture calls on the population of the Eastern Pyrenees “not to relax their efforts and carry out mass vaccination” in a campaign that raises many questions, as Emmanuel explains, meeting on the streets of Perpignan: “I remain reserved after the statements of President Macron But for others, like Nathalie, we must slow the epidemic, and “if we have to postpone the mask, that’s a good decision!” » A Spanish tourist has the same reaction, who believes that “it’s very good because people don’t keep their distance.”

But for many, the mask will not be put aside: some, like José, a vaccinated and pro-vaccination restaurateur, express satiety: “I don’t understand why they are forcing it on us from the outside again. We felt better when he was taken from us! To be honest, I’m not sure I’ll wear it all the time, I’m already tired of it! »