The prefecture of Cantal, one of the departments least affected by the coronavirus epidemic in the spring, announced on Wednesday August 12 that wearing a mask would now be mandatory in outdoor markets, flea markets and garage sales.
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“ In this tourist season, the common public health interest justifies taking measures proportionate to the risks incurred and appropriate to the circumstances, ” the prefecture stressed in a press release. " In conjunction with elected officials ", the prefect of the department Isabelle Sima " has decided to extend the obligation to wear a mask to outdoor markets, flea markets and garage sales for people over 11 years old ".
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" Wearing a mask is an effective and complementary measure to barrier gestures and physical distancing measures, which must be maintained in all circumstances ", added the prefecture, recalling that " any offender is liable to a fine of 135 euros ". " The presence of many tourists complicates the health situation and the task of some mayors ", explained to AFP an official of the prefecture. The decree comes into force on Wednesday.
Several departments have taken identical measures, like Puy-de-Dôme, another department in Auvergne, since Monday. Cantal was one of the least affected by the epidemic in the spring with Lozère. However, this is a territory where the over 60s represent 35% of the population.
