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Which areas of France are reinstating mandatory masks outdoors?
The rules are being updated regularly and depend on where you live. We explain...
More areas around France are reinstating mandatory mask wearing rules in outdoor places, with the department of Var one of the latest to bring back the measure in 58 of its communes.
It follows similar moves by Pyrénées-Orientales, Hérault, Meurthe-et-Moselle and Charente-Maritime.
Monaco has also announced masks will be mandatory in all outdoor public areas from tomorrow (July 24).
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Read more: Covid France: Masks mandatory in 45 tourist areas in Charente-Maritime
Wearing masks outdoors is not nationally enforced but is mandatory in several cities and departments around France.
Prime Minister Jean Castex has said that the country is facing a fourth wave of Covid-19 and it was up to local authorities - préfectures - at this time to implement measures to stem the spread.
Read more: Vaccination must increase, France is now in 4th Covid wave, says PM
Where are masks mandatory on a national level?
Masks must be worn in almost all indoor public places, as well as in:
- Queues
- Markets / flea markets
- School grounds
- Entrance / exit of cultural events
- Public transport
- Platforms / Surroundings of stations, ports, airports
- Events / Festivals / Performances organised in public
The government recently ruled that masks will not be mandatory in indoor public places where a health pass - proof of one’s Covid-19 status - is required to enter.
Read more: Covid France: Masks not required in places where health pass is in use
The ruling states that individual establishments or local authorities can overrule this and enforce mask wearing in these places.
You can find out more about local mask wearing rules by visiting your mairie’s or préfecture’s website.
Most cities and towns also have social media pages - either Facebook or twitter - where they share updates to Covid-19 rules.
Related stories:
Health pass, vaccination: Key points of anti-Covid law passed by MPs
Coronavirus: Daily updates on the situation in France
Is there legal basis for France's obligatory health pass and vaccines?
