This Wednesday June 16, Jean Castex surprised everyone by announcing the end of major restrictions: since the health situation has improved more than expected, the executive has decided to end curfew starting June 20, 2021. The PM also stated facemask-wearing is no longer compulsory outside starting from this Thursday June 17… excluding in cases where social distancing cannot be complied with.
Haut Conseil de la Santé Publique permanent Covid-19 working group copresident Didier Lepelletier recommends the French to always have a mask “in their pockets or bags, within hand reach and wear it accordingly. To fully ditch it, we’ll have to wait for most of the population to be vaccinated and the risk of transmission be more limited”, he told Le Monde.
Where is facemask-wearing still compulsory?
Paris Police Prefecture added in a press release issued this June 17 that facemask-wearing was also compulsory in front of schools or places of worship at in and out time, as well as in flea markets.
In July and August 2021, the situation changes: with the implementation of the health pass in places of leisure, the government backs off. The executive has announced that facemask-wearing will no longer be compulsory in places where health pass is required. Yet, prefects and managers of places open to the public can decide to keep this restriction. For instance, movie theaters have already announced facemask-wearing stays compulsory.
Anyone over 11 years of age is expected to wear a mask in places where it is required. In case of non-compliance with the rules, the offender can be fined €135.
In July 2021, the new epidemic wave has caused several departments to make facemask-wearing compulsory outdoor again.
Scientists urge the French to be cautious: the Delta variant is growing in France and might cause a fourth epidemic wave. To curb the virus, please comply with health guidelines and get vaccinated as soon as possible.
