In Lyon, bars are still allowed to open at the same times despite tightening of health measures.
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FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI
The prefect of the Rhône presented the new restrictive measures to stem the coronavirus epidemic.
The bars and restaurants of Lyon escape the system.
Pressure from the economic world?
Health situation less serious?
20 minutes
takes stock.
The numbers speak for themselves.
The coronavirus continues to spread rapidly in the Rhône department, classified in the red zone since the end of August.
And even more in these two main cities, Lyon and Villeurbanne.
The ARS, a regional hospitalization agency, recalled Monday: the incidence rate, namely the number of cases per 100,000 inhabitants (213 in Lyon and 242 in Villeurbanne), has doubled for three weeks.
Even more restrictive measures were expected.
But to everyone's surprise, bars escape the rule.
No early closing in the evening, whether during the week or during the weekend.
Lyon, however in the sights of the government, would it be an exception?
20 Minutes
takes stock.
A health situation less bad than elsewhere?
How to interpret the difference in the measures applied in the big cities of France?
"The progression is less strong here than in other regions", argues Pascal Mailhos, prefect of the Rhône.
It is true that in Marseille, where bars must now close at half past midnight, the incidence rate is 315 cases / 100,000 inhabitants.
But this is not the case in Toulouse and Nice (225 and 200) where the bars lower the curtain at 1 and 12:30 a.m.
The metropolis of Rennes, too, has not escaped the rule.
Cafetiers have been asked to cease all activity from 11 p.m., but the incidence rate is “only” 142.
Bordeaux is not the subject of such restrictive measures but the incidence rate (159) is is weaker than between Rhône and Saône.
“Professionals know the rules.
We made the bet with them but also with the elected officials that they will be able to supervise their activities ”, continues the prefect of the Rhône.
And to add: “My objective is not to type but to make understand.
However, we will strengthen controls and we will not hesitate to close establishments if the rules are not respected ”.
Pressure from the economic world?
Pascal Mailhos does not hide it: he wants to "preserve the economic fabric" and avoid aggravating the current crisis.
From there to imagine strong pressure from decision-makers and professionals?
“There is no more particular pressure in Lyon than in other cities,” he replies, convinced that the early closure of establishments would not solve the problem.
“Closing the bars earlier means more consumers are outside.
It is taking the risk of seeing more people not respecting barrier gestures on public roads.
Which is not easy to control, ”continues Pascal Mailhos.
Evidenced by the improvised gathering at the end of last week on the banks of the Rhône where hundreds of young people gathered to dance, ignoring social distancing and the wearing of masks.
“Closing the banks of the Rhône is not the solution either,” he adds.
This decision is up to the metropolis.
And considerable resources would have to be deployed over five kilometers.
This would not prevent people from referring to other places ”.
The bars at the origin of clusters?
If the gatherings of people in a private or public setting, as well as the return to business after the holidays, were partly at the origin of the appearance of clusters at the beginning of September, the situation has since evolved.
According to figures transmitted by the ARS, seven clusters in the Rhône appeared last week in schools and universities.
Six in retirement homes and three in health facilities.
What to accredit the thesis that the virus does not spread only during evenings in bars or restaurants.
Reindeer
Coronavirus in Rennes: The cafeteria union attacks the prefecture on the closing of bars at 11 p.m.
Bordeaux
Coronavirus in Bordeaux: Distancing, masks and mojitos… We followed the drinking establishment control brigade
Lyon
Covid 19
Coronavirus