If you had gone on vacation or had taken a media break, you may have missed this announcement: wearing a mask is once again compulsory in outdoor public spaces throughout the Loire-Atlantique, in Nantes as in small towns. The prefectural decree, which is
entered into force on December 31, is motivated by “the evolution of the health situation in the department with the circulation of two variants of the virus, including the particularly contagious Omicron variant”. Luckily, beaches, river banks and uncrowded natural areas (forests, marshes, etc.) are exceptions.
The obligation, which until then only concerned people aged 11 and over, extends this Monday to children aged 6 and over, according to a government decree published on Friday to Official newspaper. Public transport, stations, airports, supermarkets, schools, cultural venues and sports arenas are also affected by the compulsory mask.
The virus is spreading
According to the latest figures from the regional health agency (ARS), Loire-Atlantique has an average incidence rate of 620 positive cases per 100,000 inhabitants, much higher than the incidence rate of Pays-de-la-Loire (approximately 500 per 100,000 inhabitants). The positivity rate of the tests carried out in the department is currently 7.4%.
As a reminder, failure to comply with the compulsory wearing of a mask in the spaces mentioned is theoretically punishable by a fine of 135 euros.