Perpignan (AFP)

Vaccinate and screen en masse: in a few days, the Pyrénées-Orientales have seen Covid-19 contaminations explode and a "race against time" is engaged to try to curb the epidemic in this very touristy department, bordering the Spain.

"The only solution today is mass vaccination," is convinced Brigitte Wadih, one of the coordinators of the Perpignan vaccinodrome who injects some 1,800 doses daily.

"We are in a race against time! If we want to succeed (in containing the epidemic), at least 90% of people must be vaccinated as quickly as possible, to also prevent the Covid from mutating into variants always more contagious, ”says the 60-year-old nurse.

The incidence rate has now reached in the department 289.8 cases / 100,000 inhabitants, the highest in metropolitan France, while it was only 41.5 cases / 100,000 inhabitants a week ago, indicates to the AFP the Regional Health Agency.

The prefect of the Pyrénées-Orientales has just taken new measures now making the mask mandatory outdoors, except at the beach and in large natural spaces, and forcing cafes and restaurants to close at 11:00 p.m.

- "For my freedom" -

Sunday from 7:00 a.m., a dozen people were already thronging in front of the vaccine park of the Catalan city, mainly candidates without an appointment who hesitated until the last moment, coming more out of desire to fully enjoy the summer and its pleasures only out of health conviction.

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"I find that we do not have enough perspective on this vaccine ... I clearly made my decision after Macron's speech" on July 12 making the health pass necessary for most cultural events and bars or restaurants, confides to AFP Chloé Nègre, just after receiving her first dose.

"Now that it's done, we'll see. But at least it will allow me to go out and party as I wish. I'm doing this for my freedom!" Exclaims the young woman of 24 years.

"The young people sometimes arrive a little stressed, but it is often for fear of the needle. And you see, they come out with a smile, and not with green hair or wings on the back", laughs Ms. Wadih.

In one week, the vaccination rate in the department increased by 8%, according to the ARS.

- "Essential" -

The demonstrations against compulsory vaccination "and the nonsense that is said there breaks my heart," said the coordinator of the vaccinodrome.

"We are lucky to live in a country that has vaccines, free, for everyone, and people say anything," she laments.

From the top of his 83 years, André Carbonnier approves.

"Everyone should go there otherwise we will never get out of it," insists the octogenarian with blue eyes.

In a summer dress, Myrtille Zilliex, a 17-year-old high school student came with her grandmother.

"I made the decision on my own. We were in high school for half the year, now I'm just waiting for it to end," says the young woman from Rennes and delighted to be able to spend a holiday with His grand-parents.

Further south, in the Pyrenean village of Céret, many residents and holidaymakers from Spain attend a bullfight on Sunday.

In front of the arenas, an ephemeral screening barnum has been installed.

"In the Pyrénées-Orientales in particular, it is essential to set up this type of device. It is the only way to avoid a cluster in arenas or other places", says Benjamin Baillot, pharmacist and member of an association of bullfighting aficionados.

Since Saturday, he has been carrying out several dozen antigenic tests.

Similar devices will be put in place throughout the week on motorway rest areas, markets or at the entrance to festivals in the department.

"In the Pyrénées-Orientales, 22,026 tests were carried out last week, against 13,458 the previous week, an increase of 63% and three times more positive cases", according to the latest figures from the ARS on Saturday.

The delta variant now represents 88% of cases in the department.

© 2021 AFP