Masks in markets. For the last two weeks it has been made compulsory for both stand holders and clients  in markers to wear masks. Before then masks were compulsory in shops, pharmacies et al but voluntary in outdoor spaces.

Not surprisingly there has been a fair bit of grumbling, it is damned hot to be wearing masks, and doing physical work, like hauling boxes of plants tables and market umbrellas around. It  is not so easy to work you can’t breath so well. It is also damned difficult to communicate when you can’t see someone’s face, especially for me who’s first language is not French.  There is also the masks don’t work sentiment, and of course the COVID 19 is a conspiracy to control us by, the government, the deep state, pharmaceutical companies, and even aliens, no really someone quite clearly explained to me about how COVID 19 did not come from monkeys but from outer space.

The police are now patrolling markets; in Lezignan Corbieres it is the police Municipal, a friendly ish crew that are recruited by the circumference of their muscle bound arms rather than their IQ, and by the Gendarmes in Laroque de fa, a not so friendly crew who’s social skills are about as developed as their intellect. Both notable by their absence.

Now I’m not a medical expert, I have no idea whether masks in outdoor public spaces, or indoor public spaces for that matter, are an effective measure against spreading infection. Maybe they are maybe they are not.

What I do know is that local producers like us who sell their produce in markets have had a really tough year. Markets on the whole were closed down during the confinement; they have reopened slowly, with a noticeable drop off of clients.

Mayors have given warning that if the rules about wearing masks in markets are not being followed by stand holders and clients alike then markets could be closed again.

So please support your local markets and local producers, please wear masks whether you think they work or not. Your rebellion is not an act that will bring down the Government, it will simply close your local market. Your not wearing a mask will not cause Macron to tremble in his boots but it could destroy a local producer and close down an important community resource.