During a press conference organized at the prefecture, the prefect of Alpes-Maritimes, Bernard Gonzalez, defined the modalities of the confinement planned for this weekend.
There was little suspense. After the announcement of a new confinement this weekend, all eyes were on Bernard Gonzalez. The prefect had to define the modalities of this confinement. Like Christian Estrosi, the mayor of the city of Nice, several voices had been raised to benefit from an outing duration of 3 hours, rather than one hour.
But the hypothesis was quickly ruled out. Indeed, the confinement will be identical to the one implemented during the last two weekends. No outings will therefore be allowed between Friday 6 PM and Monday 6 AM, except with an exit certificate. “I share the disappointment of the coastal residents, explains Bernard Gonzalez. This will be difficult, but we must not waste this weekend the efforts made in recent weeks.”
This decision is explained by a high strain on hospital structures. “The incidence rate has decreased but it is still higher than the national average,” details Romain Alexandre, departmental delegate of the Regional Health Agency. Indeed, the incidence rate is now 484 in the Alpes-Maritimes, compared to 222 at the national level.
An acceleration of vaccination
Aware of a potential relaxation among the population, Bernard Gonzalez reminded of the implementation of numerous checks by law enforcement over the weekend. All this is to avoid potential gatherings that could lead to the spread of COVID-19. On the other hand, vaccination is expected to continue at an accelerated pace over the weekend.
Indeed, the department is about to receive 10,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine in the coming hours, and 14,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine next week. Currently, more than 146,500 doses have been administered, including nearly 110,000 in vaccination centers. This is good news for Professor Jean Dellamonica, a professor of medicine at the Nice University Hospital: “Vaccination is the sustainable solution, and I hope it will allow us to get out of this situation.”
In conclusion, Bernard Gonzalez wished to convey a final message to the residents of Alpes-Maritimes affected by this confinement. “These measures are heavy restrictions,” acknowledges the prefect. “But they are our way to safety. I thank the residents in advance for their civic-mindedness, and I know that they will be eager to prove their solidarity with the rest of France.”
