Since yesterday, it’s official: to enter a “closed public place”, you must now wear a mask. This measure is intended to limit the circulation of the coronavirus. If many of these places already recommended having a mask, it is now an obligation, decided by a government decree. In the event of non-compliance with this measure, a fine of 135 euros may be imposed. In recent weeks, several traders have confided to see fewer and fewer customers wearing the mask. “There was relaxation,” confirms a saleswoman from the Marionnaud boutique in Ibos, who is relieved by this measure. “It’s safer for us too!”
This obligation gives certain shops a feeling of déjà vu. “The mask was compulsory for the first three weeks of recovery, and since then it has been recommended,” explains Jennyfer. Supermarkets have organized themselves to enforce the measure. At Le Méridien, security guards are placed at the entrances to the shopping center and check whether customers are wearing a mask. For those who do not have one, a disposable mask sales booth has been set up in the main hall, which has already been successful. Large posters had already been put up for a few days to warn of the entry into force of the obligation. “At the opening, we had a few customers who did not have it,” says Jessica, cashier at Intermarché de Brauhauban. “We sell it individually at reception, so that helps, there is always this option.”
Increased sales of masks
At the Méridien pharmacy, the team noticed that sales had increased in recent days. “At the end of the week, we sold a lot,” said one of the employees. It should be remembered, however, that the mask was already required in a number of places, and several businesses had taken the initiative to apply it themselves. “In the cinema, the mask was compulsory, except when you are seated in your seat”, explains Olivier Ture, director of the CGR, before adding teasingly: “The only difference is that you can tell customers that if they don’t respect, we can call the cops. With a few rare exceptions, people respect well. “
Also affected by this measure: banks, administrations or sports halls. “You have to keep it when you move around, but you can remove it when you exercise, as in restaurants in fact,” explains the manager of the Edenya room. Posters indicate these new instructions to users. “We have assigned 5 m² places so that everyone can do their session,” explains Crossfit owner Brauhauban. It is therefore only in this space that athletes can remove their mask. A new habit for everyone.
Covid-19: the point in the 65
The health situation remains rather stable in the department. Screening continues, and 7,963 tests have been carried out since mid-May, with 28 positives, including 11 since the beginning of July. The positive rate is currently 0.35%, below the regional average of 0.5%. Two people are still hospitalized, in intensive care, at the Bigorre hospital center. Since the start of the epidemic, the department has still recorded 58 deaths, including 27 in hospitals and 31 in nursing homes, and 152 returns home.
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