100 nudists test positive for Covid-19 after ‘very worrying’ outbreak at French naturist resort – despite wearing face masks. At least 95 nudists have tested positive at the French resort of Cap d’Agde
French Health authorities have warned of a “very worrying” outbreak of coronavirus at a famous nudist resort in the south of France. At least 95 people at the resort of Cap d’Agde, 30 miles south of Montpellier, have tested positive for the virus so far – despite wearing face masks.
That is in addition to an estimated 50 people who reported falling ill after returning home from the resort – and more results are due this week.
Health officials have warned visitors to the resort – which is also popular with swingers – that they must comply with all social distancing measures, including wearing face masks.
In France masks have been compulsory in all indoor spaces since mid July. There are only limited exceptions.
The nudist resort contains multiple indoor areas, including shops, banks, restaurants, bars and clubs.
The local health service carried out 194 tests on visitors who volunteered at the resort on Monday last week, with 38 coming back positive. A further 244 tests were then carried out on Wednesday, with 57 positive.
Health officers carried out 310 additional tests on Friday, with results expected early this week.
A spokesman for the health authority said the rate of infection at the nudist resort is four times higher than the nearby village.
The outbreak comes as France on Sunday reported almost 4,900 new coronavirus cases over the last 24 hours, its highest figure since May.
Health Minister Olivier Veran warned earlier that the situation was risky, and said infections were essentially happening among 20 to 40 year-olds at parties.
Cases among older people were starting to rise too, Veran said, but he ruled out another total lockdown in France.
Cap d’Agde is thought to be the largest community of nudists anywhere in the world, with up to 40,000 people staying there at the height of a typical summer season.