Marseilles (AFP)
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 site of the newspaper Le Monde.
"In the streets with high traffic, in city centers, shopping centers, wearing a mask must be compulsory. In ventilated spaces where one is alone, there is no proven risk," said Mrs. Rubirola.
In France's second largest city, wearing a mask has been compulsory everywhere since the end of August.
Ms. Rubirola met during the weekend with the prefect of Bouches-du-Rhône, summoned by the Prime Minister to propose by Monday "additional measures" for Marseille, particularly affected by the "second wave" of Covid-19.
She criticized the "display measures" requested by some elected officials, such as regional president Renaud Muselier (LR), who wanted beaches and parks to be closed after 8:00 p.m.
"If, on leaving the town hall, I go to bathe alone, after 8:00 p.m., I do not think I present 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 "errors:" when big parties were allowed to take place, especially on the + rooftops + (terraces on the roof)".
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 "risky places that do not comply with the barrier measures imposed".
Ms. Rubirola also judged that "the situation (was) worrying but (...) under control", affirming that "the Marseillais are (are) aware of the situation".
Sunday, Mr. Muselier, also a doctor by training, had demanded, on RTL, "to prohibit wedding parties" and recommended "to make the flu vaccine compulsory throughout the country for those over 65 and all nursing staff ".
Mrs. Martine Vassal, LR president of the Bouches-du-Rhône department, wishes to repress "severely" people who, indoors, refuse to wear the mask.
© 2020 AFP