update on health restrictions

The prefecture Tarn-et-Garonne has just enacted a number of health restrictions to fight against the spread of Covid-19. Wearing a mask outdoors, closing of bars and restaurants, sporting activities… Update on measures in the various towns of the department.

Following the reestablishment of the state of health emergency on the metropolitan territory, this Saturday, October 17, the prefecture of Tarn-et-Garonne decreed new “general and local measures necessary to deal with the epidemic of covid-19 “.

A worsening situation in the department

Measures taken to respond to a worsening of the epidemiological situation. “The Tarn-et-Garonne department is facing an acceleration in viral circulation which has now reached a very high level, in particular in the agglomeration of Montauban”, thus alerts the prefecture of Tarn-et-Garonne. State services also note a significant increase in the number of hospitalizations for Covid-19 and admissions in critical care.

The compulsory mask everywhere and all day in 4 municipalities

Thus, since Saturday, October 17, wearing a mask is mandatory outdoors, from 8 a.m. to midnight, throughout the territory of the municipalities of Montauban, Castelsarrasin, Moissac and Valence d’Agen. Wearing a mask is however not compulsory during a sporting activity practiced outdoors.

Bars, restaurants and sale of limited alcohol in Montauban

In addition, the prefecture has also implemented measures limiting the opening hours of restaurants and bars, as well as the take-away sale of alcoholic drinks, in the city of Montauban alone. Throughout the town, the sale of alcohol will be prohibited in shops, supermarkets and grocery stores from 8 p.m. Two hours later, at 10 p.m., the drinking establishments will have to lower their curtains, otherwise they will face sanctions. The restaurants will be able to continue to welcome their customers until 11 p.m.

Throughout the department, wearing a mask remains compulsory for anyone over the age of eleven in the immediate vicinity and inside places authorized to welcome the public. In particular, open air markets, flea markets, garage sales, funfairs, shopping centers and commercial areas, sports facilities, multipurpose, show or exhibition halls, as well as train and bus stations. Likewise, in the immediate vicinity of schools or public transport stops.

Gatherings limited to six people

Gatherings of more than six people on public roads or in places open to the public are prohibited, with the exception of certain demonstrations, professional gatherings or ceremonies subject to exemption. However, wearing a mask remains compulsory in the event of an authorized gathering.

Places open to the public

For event and cultural professionals, the measures depend on the nature of their activity as well as on the possibility or not of implementing certain health standards: wearing a mask compulsory, density gauge set at 4 m², gauge maximum to 1000 people, etc. Refreshments and other reception venues are prohibited, as is consumption while standing in bars and restaurants. “Student parties” and any “festive gathering of a musical nature, such as teknival, rave, free-party” are also prohibited, state the state services.

Sporting activities

Indoor sports activities are prohibited, except for schoolchildren, professionals, high-level athletes or people with disabilities who justify the need to practice regular physical activity. Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and private gyms that respect a reinforced protocol are not affected. Any recreational or festive dance activity is prohibited in establishments open to the public as well as on public roads. Access to collective changing rooms is prohibited except for national, interregional and school competitions.

(Source: press release)

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