Michèle Rubirola has been the mayor of Marseille since July 2020. -

AP / SIPA

  • Marseille has been facing a particularly virulent coronavirus epidemic in recent weeks. 

  • A few hours before the announcement of new measures by the prefect, the EELV mayor of Marseille, Michèle Rubirola, refutes any coercive method, in favor of support. 

The mayor of Marseille Michèle Rubirola (EELV) believes that "the repression only works for a moment" and recommends instead in the fight against the Covid-19, to "accompany the explanatory measures", in an interview published Monday on the World site.

“In busy streets, in city centers and shopping centers, wearing a mask must be compulsory.

In ventilated spaces where you are alone, there is no proven risk, ”said Michèle Rubirola.

In France's second largest city, wearing a mask has been compulsory everywhere since the end of August.

Soon "additional measures"

Michèle Rubirola met during the weekend with the prefect of Bouches-du-Rhône, summoned by the Prime Minister to take "additional measures", the department and especially Marseille being particularly affected by the "second wave" of the Covid -19.

She criticized the "display measures" requested by some elected officials, such as the president of the region Renaud Muselier (LR), who wanted the beaches to be closed after 8 p.m.

"We let great parties unfold"

"If, on leaving the town hall, I will bathe, alone, after 8 pm, I do not think there is a risk of transmission of the virus," said the mayor, who is also a doctor.

Rather than deny "access to the seaside area", Michèle Rubirola wishes to ban public gatherings "without physical distancing".

The mayor explains the epidemic rebound in her city by "a strong increase in the number of visitors to the city during the holidays", acknowledging "mistakes when big parties were allowed to take place, especially on rooftops".

No to the closing of bars

She warned against "deadly decisions", asking in particular "not to touch the closing times of bars and restaurants", already forced by prefectural order to close at 12:30 am.

The mayor called for an increase in the frequency of public transport and the closure of "places at risk, which do not comply with the barrier measures imposed".

Michèle Rubirola also judged that "the situation [was] worrying but (...) under control", affirming that "the Marseillais [were] aware of the situation".

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  • Marseilles

  • epidemic

  • Covid 19

  • Coronavirus

  • Michele Rubirola