-
Hunt for escaped French prisoner: Interpol issues ‘red notice’ alert
‘Unprecedented international cooperation and judicial police resources’ have been mobilised, the interior minister says
-
Strikes in France: Binmen begin protest over Paris Olympics pay
Unions are calling for bonuses for all staff and have posted strike notices for action throughout the whole period of the Olympics and Paralympics
-
UK-France flights hit as Ryanair announces it is leaving Bordeaux airport
Low-cost carrier says it is transfering planes and workers to other bases due to rising fees
Covid-19: France tightens rules on facemasks in schools
Homemade facemasks are now banned
Schoolchildren in France are now banned from wearing homemade facemasks, under a directive that was ordered at the beginning of the month but is only being enforced from Monday, February 8.
Only 'Category 1' masks are now permitted in schools for all children aged six and over.
Read more: Covid 19 in France: What facemask should I wear?
The directive - intended to combat the spread of the contagious UK variant of coronavirus - was issued on February 1, but the Ministry of Education allowed parents and establishments a few days to adapt to the changes.
Category 1 masks filter more than 90% of particles. This standard includes blue single-use surgical masks, FFP2 filter masks, and certain fabric masks that meet specifications.
The Ministry said that parents should supply masks for their children, but added that educational establishments have a supply for students who do not have their own.