The French government is to issue a decree on Monday, with immediate effect, making the wearing of face masks compulsory in all “indoor public spaces” with fines of €135 for non-compliance, reports RFI.
The term is not defined in French law and the prime minister still has to clarify the places concerned and how the measures will be enforced.
Here's what we know so far.
The compulsory wearing of facemasks was originally scheduled for 1 August but concerns over a resurgence in new Covid-19 infections pushed the government to bring forward the decree to 20 July.
“As of Monday, wearing a mask will be compulsory in enclosed spaces, as announced by Prime Minister Jean Castex. This concerns shops, establishments open to the public, covered markets and banks,” health minister Olivier Véran tweeted on Saturday.
“Preventative measures and screening remain essential to effectively fight the virus.”
The notion of a “closed public space” is not precisely defined in French law, but given the idea is to target places frequented by large numbers of people, the decree will likely be based on what is known as an ERP (establishment welcoming the public).
Masks are already required in concert halls, cinemas, theatres, on public transport and in care homes for the elderly. In bars and restaurants, staff are required to wear them all the time and customers on entering and when they move away from their table.