- Gatherings of more than 5,000 people in confined spaces are prohibited.
- This measure runs at least until March 14 to stem the Covid-19 epidemic.
- The balls of the Dunkirk carnival are largely threatened by this measure.
A success incompatible with the coronavirus. Last Saturday, the Gigolos Gigolettes ball, which was to be held in Dunkirk, was the first event to be canceled in the region because of government measures against the coronavirus epidemic. Also as part of the carnival, the Sporting ball, scheduled for Saturday, will not escape either.
Like all other French departments, the prefect of the North issued, on Saturday, an order prohibiting gatherings of more than 5,000 people in confined spaces. This decree follows the transition to stage 2 of the coronavirus containment strategy in France. "We were warned that the ball had to be canceled the same day at the end of the afternoon, when the doors were to open at 10 p.m.", deplores Jean-Pierre Janssen of the association La Jeune France, organizer of the Gigolos Gigolettes ball. .
Cancellations with dire financial consequences
For this association, which is more than a hundred years old, it is a terrible financial blow with a loss of more than 250,000 euros: “We do not receive any subsidy, the receipts from this ball represent the bulk of the association's funding. We really don't know what tomorrow will be like, ”continues Jean-Pierre Janssen. He nevertheless ensures that all those who wish will be reimbursed.
Another association, the Dunkirk Sporting Club, finds itself in the same situation. It is she who organizes each year one of the other famous balls of the Dunkirk carnival, the Sporting ball. This Monday evening, the directors meet to seal the fate of the event to be held on Saturday. "I don't see how we could do anything but cancel," said Patrick Crockey, president of the Dunkirk Sporting club. With more than 8,000 participants expected, this ball inevitably falls under the scope of the prefectural decree.
"We have a few grants, but the ball's revenues represent more than 80% of the association's funding," calculates the president. However, he does not give up: "I'm not going to close the club tomorrow. We will seek support, make calls for donations. "
For the last ball of the carnival season, the Spring Ball, nothing is yet played. It is to be held on March 14, the day the prefectural order ends. The event could therefore be maintained if the measures to contain the coronavirus epidemic were not extended.
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- Dunkirk