While the situation is deteriorating sharply in the overseas departments, Martinique is tightening its confinement. The island, already under partial containment and curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., is now entering a “second phase of containment”.

“Shops will be closed, except food shops and pharmacies“, indicated the prefect of the West Indian department, Stanislas Cazelles, inviting”all people in a tourism situation who are vulnerable to leaving the territory“.

Read also: Covid: Overseas France faces a virulent fourth wave

Beaches closed, in the middle of August

“The hotels will be closed, except for the reception needs of professionals and people residing in the territory, it will be the same for seasonal rentals.“, added the prefect.

The prefect of the overseas department explained that “places of leisure and culture will be closed“, especially “The beaches“, who “will no longer be accessible to the public“.

Telecommuting highly recommended

Martinicans are also required to travel a maximum distance of one kilometer around their home.

“Companies and administrations are also invited to participate in this containment effort, they are invited to organize the service so that as many employees as possible can work remotely.“, added Mr. Cazelles.

“These rules are strict, they will be lifted as soon as the health situation allows.“, promised the representative of the State, noting a”review clause in 15 days“.

An “extremely worrying” situation

The Minister of Health, Olivier Véran, is due to visit Martinique on Thursday, faced with a situation described as “extremely worrying“by the director of the local ARS, Jérôme Viguier, while some 240 caregivers are due to arrive on Tuesday for a 15-day support mission in the West Indies.

Martinique has one of the highest incidence rates in France, nearly 1,200 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, as well as a hospital pressure of 227%. The population of the island is also very little vaccinated, less than 22% of the population having received a first dose.