REPORTAGE
While the Covid-19 continues to circulate in France, more and more municipalities are opting for the wearing of compulsory masks in certain outdoor public spaces. This is particularly the case in Toulouse, Nice or even in Lille. But sometimes regulations lead to ubiquitous situations. In the Lille metropolis, on Avenue de Dunkerque, the mask is compulsory on the side of the city of Lomme. But not on the sidewalk opposite, belonging to the municipality of Lambersart. For residents, the situation is confused.
>> LIVE - Coronavirus: follow the evolution of the situation Thursday August 6
Traders are wondering
"Here we put it, there we don't put it. For what reasons?", Annoys Mireille, disillusioned. "There is more sun over there than here. We must do the same to everyone." The avenue is quite busy, between shops, banks and cafes. On one side, signs announce the obligation of the mask, on the other side: nothing.
Denis, another inhabitant of Lambersart, adapts when he goes to buy cigarettes in Lomme. "I put on the mask to go to tobacco, I cross back and I take it off," he jokes. "That's the advantage we have". A relief for some who willingly do without the mask that sticks to the skin in these high temperatures.
>> Find the morning show of the day in replay and podcast here
But for traders, the situation is more complex. "I have customers who are going to park in Lomme and they will have to put on a mask. They will be able to take it off when crossing, then put it back in my store," says a store manager. "It would have been nice if the two town halls actually agreed."
A very busy avenue
"You know the avenue de Dunkerque, very busy even in August," explains Olivier Caremelle, first deputy of the city of Lomme, stressing the importance of wearing a mask. "We have the Saturday market, you are aware that the Lomme market attracts many residents, who also come from Lambersart. It seemed quite legitimate to us to force the wearing of a mask."
CORONAVIRUS ESSENTIALS
> Coronavirus: pay attention to the theory of collective immunity
> Coronavirus: three questions on rapid serological tests in pharmacies
> Holidays: should grandparents worry about looking after their grandchildren?
> Coronavirus: in schools, the health protocol will remain the same at the start of the school year
> Coronavirus: the 5 mistakes not to make with your mask
On the side of Lambersart, the town hall explains that the sidewalks are wider and therefore promote social distancing. The municipality prefers to concentrate its efforts on the parks and gardens of the municipality as well as the banks of the Deule, where wearing a mask is compulsory.