Illustration mask on the street.

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Mikhail Tereshchenko / TASS / Sipa U / SIPA

  • In two weeks, health data from the Bas-Rhin department confirms "a worrying upsurge" in the active circulation of the coronavirus.

  • Sporting and associative events are the main providers of new clusters.

  • Prefect Josiane Chevalier will ban refreshments on these occasions.

The Bas-Rhin, which had hitherto managed to escape the cracks, finally fell into the trap.

In two weeks, health data from the department confirms "a worrying upsurge" in the active circulation of the coronavirus with an incidence rate of 179 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

"A very high figure," which is experiencing "an extremely rapid development," worries the Prefect.

Especially since the "positivity rate rises to 8.4".

Figures which climb even more in the Eurometropolis with an incidence rate of 226 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, and which could "very quickly reach 250" assure the authorities.

The mixing of population but especially sporting events, worry.

Rightly so, because the clusters now mainly concern sports and associations.

"It is currently the main cause of the spread of the virus, it does not stop" indicates Michèle Eschlimann, vice-president of the departmental council of Bas-Rhin.

Mask obligatory in and around cemeteries

Also, a prefectural decree should be taken by the end of the week to ban refreshments during these events.

Moments when "people would easily perform the mask" and "quickly multiply the gestures of conviviality".

The issue of changing rooms is also in the sights of the authorities, discussions are underway.

On the other hand, concerning the events to come during this period of All Saints, the mask will be made compulsory in and around cemeteries.

Another data that alerts the authorities, the incidence rate in the Bas-Rhin among those over 65, those who risk developing a serious form of Covid-19.

In two weeks it has practically doubled and reached 92 per 100,000 inhabitants.

What challenge even if this "rate is not yet reflected in the number of hospitalizations", underlines the prefect.

For the time being, the hospitalization rate represents a little less than 10% of its reception capacities.

"So there is no concern on that side, but we'll see at the end of the week," warns Josiane Chevalier.

With all this, will there be a Christmas market in Strasbourg or not?

As “announced from the start”, a decision will be taken at the end of October.

But the answer depends on "a comprehensive approach to the department, the region, because the decision will be watched by the other departments," says Josiane Chevalier.

We reflect on the whole subject "Christmas market", in terms of safety, health, and the economic aspect.

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In the meantime, the greatest vigilance is requested from the population, "respect for barrier gestures", insists the prefect who concludes: "We must not relax to ensure better days.

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  • Strasbourg

  • Covid 19

  • Health

  • Coronavirus