France to make face masks mandatory in public places indoors from next week

16 July 2020, 09:48

Emmanuel Macron originally said masks would be mandatory from 1 August
Emmanuel Macron originally said masks would be mandatory from 1 August. Picture: PA
Rachael Kennedy

By Rachael Kennedy

France is to make the wearing of face masks a mandatory requirement in closed public spaces from next week, according to Prime Minister Jean Castex.

The announcement on Thursday means France is pushing forward its schedule for compulsory masks after President Emmanuel Macron said earlier in the week that it would come into effect from 1 August.

Speaking in the Senate, Mr Castex said he understood the original August deadline "appeared late," and had therefore reviewed the date.

He did not give a specific day next week that the change would come into effect.

READ MORE: Coronavirus lockdown has claimed 650,000 UK jobs since March - ONS

READ MORE: Priti Patel 'doesn't have a figure' for number of people with coronavirus entering UK

Until now, face masks have been compulsory on public transport and in places where social distancing is not possible.

From next week, this will now extend to shops and other enclosed areas.

READ MORE: 'Almost a third of UK firms plan to lay off staff over the next three months'

READ MORE: Human trials of Oxford covid-19 vaccine show 'promising results'

More than 30,000 people have died with coronavirus in France - and while the numbers are slowly decreasing, the nation is still concerned of a possible second outbreak.

In an interview this week, Mr Macron said there had been "some signs" that the virus was re-emerging in some places, saying in response that "we must anticipate and prepare".

He added: "I want us, in the next few weeks, to make masks compulsory in enclosed public places.

"I ask fellow citizens to wear masks as much as possible when they are outside, and especially so when they are in an enclosed space."

READ MORE: ‘This is for the greater good’: LBC speaks to woman taking part in covid-19 vaccine trial

READ MORE: Face masks will be mandatory in shops in England from 24 July

France's decision comes a day before Boris Johnson is expected to give his own update on face masks across England.

On Tuesday, the prime minister said coverings should be worn in shops after evidence had "been growing" on their effectiveness.

He told Sky News: "Face coverings are an extra insurance we can all use to stop it coming back, and stop it getting out of control again."

New legislation to bring this into force is expected to be introduced on 24 July, with fines of up to £100 for anyone who does not comply.

Latest World News

See more Latest World News

Russia bombed Ukrainian infrastructure overnight

Russia launches 'massive attack' on Ukraine's power supplies, with 'energy security under growing threat'

South Africa Bus Crash

Girl, 8, the sole survivor as 45 die in bus crash off South Africa bridge

A spokesman has denied reports the sausage dog could be banned.

The wurst news is over: Germany denies claims of sausage dog ban

Israel Palestinians Britain Aid

UN top court orders Israel to open more land crossings into Gaza

Greece Confidence Vote

Greece’s government survives no-confidence motion called over rail disaster

Israel Palestinians UN Security Council

Russia ‘abolishes’ monitoring of sanctions on North Korea with UN veto

Firefighters at the scene of a bus crash in Limpopo

Bus falls from bridge in South Africa and erupts into flames, killing at least 45 and leaving child, 8, as lone survivor

Music-Green Day UN

Green Day to headline UN-backed global climate concert

Sam Bankman-Fried

FTX founder Bankman-Fried sentenced to 25 years in prison for crypto fraud

France Valentino

Former Gucci designer Alessandro Michele named Valentino creative director

Russia Shooting

Russia arrests another suspect in concert hall attack that killed 143

American Easter egg

White House’s annual Easter egg roll to be attended by 40,000 people

Barbers in Paris

Proposal to ban discrimination over a person’s hair passes first legal hurdle

Mahmoud Abbas

Palestinian Authority names new government following pressure to reform

Arvind Kejriwal

Opposition leader Kejriwal locked up for further four days, court rules

Resident clears rubble from home

Russia wears down Ukrainian defences with missile and drone attacks