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Masks become compulsory again in Paris outdoor spaces

The Local France
The Local France - [email protected]
Masks become compulsory again in Paris outdoor spaces
French gendarmes ride horses as they patrol near the Louvre in the Tuileries garden, on February 16, 2021, in Paris. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP)

The Paris police chief has announced that face masks will once again become compulsory in certain outdoor spaces in the city.

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The French government has reintroduced mask rules in all indoor public spaces - including venues covered by the health pass, such as cinemas and bars, which were previously exempt.

But local authorities have the power to impose extra mask rules for outdoor public spaces if they feel it is necessary, and Paris has become the most recent place to do this.

The Paris police chief Didier Lallement announced on Friday that new rules, effective immediately, require masks to be worn in the following outdoor areas;

  • All gatherings, demonstrations, meetings or organised activities in a public space
  • Outdoor festival or performance venues
  • All markets, vintage sales and flea markets (including Christmas markets)
  • In outdoor spaces of universities 
  • In outdoor spaces in front of places of worship
  • In queues

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The following people are exempt from the outdoor (but not indoor) mask rules;

  • Disabled people who have a medical certificate justifying their mask exemption
  • Anyone taking place in a sporting activity in the open air e.g. joggers
  • People inside of private cars or vehicles
  • Cyclists, motorcyclists and scooter riders

In a press release, Lallement said that the new rules had been introduced in the context of "a rapid deterioration of epidemiological indicators within the city of Paris".

He added: "The Paris incidence rate, which was between 50 and 100 cases per 100,000 people in October has increased rapidly to 266 cases per 100,000 people and the increase shows no sign of slowing."

In addition to the new mask rules, the Préfecture strongly urged people to continue with the use of hand gel and frequent hand-washing, employing barrier gestures and respecting social distancing.

Paris police will be enforcing the new mask rules, with penalties of €135 for people not wearing a mask in designated areas.

Police will also be stepping up checks on the health pass, and checks of public establishments where the pass is required such as bars and restaurants to ensure that they are enforcing the rules.  

Paris joins at least 23 other local authorities which have already brought in extra mask rules. We have a round-up of the areas here, but as this situation is changing rapidly people are advised to check with their local préfecture to be sure of the exact rules in their area.

 

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