The acting mayor (UDI) of Levallois-Perret, Jean-Yves Cavallini, signed this Friday a decree imposing the wearing of the mask in the streets of the city. More specifically, the mask becomes mandatory in public space and in public facilities for people over 10 years old, under penalty of a fine of € 38.
However, others tried it before him, wiping out actions for annulment before the administrative justice. As the decree of the mayor (UDI) of Sceaux, Philippe Laurent, taken on April 6 and suspended three days later by the administrative court of Cergy (Val-d'Oise). A decision confirmed by the Council of State on April 18.
Much further from the Hauts-de-Seine, the mayor (LR) of Nice (Alpes-Maritimes) Christian Estrosi is in the third version of his decree, already suspended twice. The new decree now specifies that the wearing of a mask is compulsory when distance cannot be respected.
The density of the city to justify the decree
An argument also developed by the mayor of Levallois-Perret, the densest municipality in Europe with 26,713 inhabitants per km2. "The configuration of our city makes it difficult to apply the rules of social distancing, essential to be protected and stop the spread of the virus", justifies Jean-Yves Cavallini, insisting on a "decision based on scientific recommendations today unanimous and unequivocal ”.
The prospect of seeing his by-law suspended "poses no problem" for the acting mayor. "Because I am convinced that this is the only way to find a semblance of social life and to reopen the parks, for example," said the man who has been in charge of the city since March 6 and the application of the sentence of ineligibility of Patrick and Isabelle Balkany.
"As much as a few weeks ago we had the right to hesitate about such a measure, as much today we know that wearing a mask is particularly effective," he adds.
Most passers-by already masked
And the locals seem to agree with him. This Friday noon, in the pedestrian Henri-Barbusse street, almost everyone is already wearing a mask. "It is the only way to protect yourself and I am surprised that this obligation is not taken at the national level," said François, 50.
"It is already imposed in transport and in many stores," continues this resident. And I am surprised to still meet elderly people who do not wear masks on the street. "
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" This is essential. If it is not compulsory, people do not do it ”, annoys Nicole, 76 years old. "It is obviously not very pleasant but it is the price to pay to find a normal life", adds the Levalloisienne.
A few meters away, Timothée, 33, immediately takes a mask from his pocket to answer. "It has not yet become a reflex," smiles the young man. But I am not at all against such an order to impose it on everyone. "