Covid France: Outdoor mask rules ends tomorrow and curfew on June 20

The requirement to wear a mask outside in public places will end in France tomorrow (June 17), except in certain situations, such as in stadiums or when there are large crowds. It will remain mandatory to wear a mask in indoor public spaces, including shops. 

The announcement was made by French Prime Minister Jean Castex during a press conference today (June 16).

France’s national curfew is also to be removed on Sunday (June 20), 10 days earlier than planned

The national curfew, which is currently set at 23:00 to 06:00, has been in place since December 15, 2020.

“We need to stay on top of this over the next few weeks. By the end of August, we need to have reached 40 million first vaccine doses, and 35 million fully vaccinated,” Mr Castex said during a press conference.

“We are experiencing a happy return, a return to normal life. We are on the right track. Let's stay focused,” he added. 

France has recorded an average of 3,868 Covid-19 cases per day in the past week, a drop of 41% from the previous week. 

The number of patients in intensive care wards due to Covid-19 has also fallen by 18% in the past week, reaching 1,952, the lowest the figure has been since mid-October 2020.