During a stormy meeting at the town hall, Rieux, Laurence and Castel may alert the authorities and talk about a mutating plague bacillus, but nothing happens. Don't scare the tourists, that's the watchword. Tarrou suggests that Rieux create health brigades. The garbage collectors' strike was neutralized by the paramilitary militia and one of the strikers, Oumar Diop, was sentenced to one year in prison. Rambert plans to join Laurence in the capital, even if it means giving up his investigation. He does not have time: prefect Chauvat locks the city and speaks to Professor Richard about the application of a mysterious plan "D".