Villefranche-de-Rouergue. Covid-19 in Aveyron: “Many have forgotten the virus or want to forget it”

Little by little, we saw them disappear or at least decrease: barrier gestures. It can be customers who come into a shop without the mask and who only realize later that they are missing this accessory which has now become customary. It is also the handshake that is readily exchanged without paying attention. Or it can be the discussions that take place as close as possible, almost side by side, without worrying about distances. Yet, with the virus circulating rate on the rise, the specter of a fifth wave is once again present. “The departmental incidence rate went back above 100 per 100,000 inhabitants, reaching 126.6 over the period from October 31 to November 6, alerting the prefecture in particular. The upsurge in complex situations and the appearance of new clusters can be explained in large part by the non-respect of barrier gestures and the large number of contact cases involved in various events linked to outings, meals, sports, various leisure activities, where collective vigilance is attenuated. age are concerned even if we logically note before the start of the school year a greater increase in people over 30 years “

Covid is less scary

Thursday, it was precisely market day in Villefranche. And for many Villefranchois who came to do their shopping, this relaxation of attention is explained by vaccination and an impatience to find “the life before”. “Many have forgotten the virus or want to forget it,” said Jean-Paul, retired, who registered for a third dose of the vaccine earlier this week. “I myself have been less careful since being vaccinated and know a lot of them are. I think you just learn to live with the virus.” Claude just doesn’t say better. “We pay less attention, of course, but we also hear fewer people talking about it. Of course, we are gradually resuming our old habits. The virus is less scary.” Quentin, in his thirties, is one of those who don’t want to wait to get back to their former life. “I saw it at parties that I organize with friends, he explains. At the beginning, we were still careful. Even if we weren’t wearing the mask, let’s say we tried to limit a bit. contacts. Now, there is not even any hydroalcoholic gel. I have an acquaintance who ended up catching it, the covid. But nothing serious. “

Confidence in the vaccine or not, the circulation of covid in the department is on the rise. “The best weapon to stop the chains of contamination remains the respect of barrier gestures”, recalls the prefecture. Advice that is increasingly difficult to implement.

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