Tourists asked to leave amid the lock down

The French dependent island of Martinique is now again on lock down, occasioned by a spike in COVID-19 cases, and the government has asked tourists to leave the French Caribbean territory as the French government tightens COVID-19 restrictions there.

The administration is tightening coronavirus restrictions in Martinique and Guadeloupe – two popular Caribbean vacation destinations – to counter the rising infection rates that are overwhelming local hospitals.

Last Tuesday, Martinique entered a three-week lockdown and advised tourists to leave the island, Reuters reported. The island’s beaches and non-essential shops have been ordered closed.

Travel prohibition in place

Anyone remaining in Martinique will be prohibited from traveling more than a half mile from home, the Associated Press has reported.

On Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron described the situation in the French Caribbean as “cruel proof” that vaccinations are working, the news service AFP reported.

Vaccination rates remain low in Martinique and Guadeloupe, with far fewer eligible people being fully vaccinated in the French territories than in France.

France’s government warned on August 10 of an “extremely serious” COVID-19 crisis in the country’s overseas territories, especially in the Caribbean. The governement reported that infection rates have climbed to levels unprecedented on the mainland.

Martinique’s tightened lockdown the departure of tourists is a huge blow to the Caribbean islands at the height of the summer season.

In France, more than half the population has been fully vaccinated, according to Reuters. That figure is thanks in part to a new requirement that patrons of restaurants, bars, and more present a digital health pass for entry.