Europe 1 with AFP 07:28, February 16, 2022

The curfew introduced in July in Martinique to fight against the coronavirus epidemic will be postponed by two hours from Friday, the prefecture announced.

It will start at 10 p.m. instead of 8 p.m., until 5 a.m.

A measure expected by the population and professionals.

The curfew introduced in July in Martinique in the face of the Covid-19 epidemic will be postponed by two hours from Friday and will start at 10 p.m. instead of 8 p.m., the prefecture announced on Tuesday.

Since December 8, night traffic restrictions were in effect from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

From Friday, “we can move freely. We can go to the cinema or to the restaurant”, commented on local radio RCI the prefect of Martinique, Stanislas Cazelles, who however warned that “after 10 p.m. there will be controls of the famous certificates that the population knows well".

The measure was expected within the population but also among professionals.

"This is very good news for restaurateurs and also for Martiniquais and Martiniquaises", reacted the president of the association of restaurateurs of Martinique, Stéphane Magin.

The hospital system still under tension

This curfew relief has also been welcomed in the sporting world.

“The postponement of the curfew to 10 p.m. will allow sport to return to its usual organization”, rejoiced René Méril, president of the Territorial Olympic and Sports Committee of Martinique (CTOSMA).

Despite an improvement in the health situation, "the epidemiological indicators remain above the alert thresholds and the hospital system remains under tension", however recalled the prefecture.

The incidence rate, down from the previous week, stands at 2,011 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

Currently, 96 patients suffering from Covid-19 are hospitalized at the Martinique University Hospital, including 16 in critical care/resuscitation.

In addition, the vaccination rate remains low in Martinique, with only 44.3% of the population over the age of 12 having a complete vaccination schedule, while the vaccination pass must come into force on March 7.