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Mask compulsory in Paris: why better to always have one on you

2020-08-09T18:01:27.987Z


From this Monday, wearing a mask becomes mandatory in around a hundred areas of the capital, especially busy areas.


In Paris, it is better to have it always at hand now! From this Monday, 8 hours, and for a renewable period of one month, the wearing of a mask outside becomes compulsory in around a hundred sectors of the capital considered to be the most frequented. A measure extended to around sixty Ile-de-France municipalities in Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis, Val-de-Marne and Val-d'Oise. The stated goal is to curb the increase in Covid-19 cases, while the virus is actively circulating again. Explanations.

Why does the capital impose it outdoors?

In recent days, worrying signs of an epidemic resumption have appeared in Paris and its region. Detected in the analyzes of wastewater in July, they are now reflected in statistics, especially among young people. “Paris is now the third most affected department in France” underlines Audrey Pulvar, assistant to Anne Hidalgo.

When several large cities began to impose the wearing of masks outside, the mayor (PS) of Paris therefore decided to follow, requesting in this direction last Tuesday the Paris police prefect, Didier Lallement. The latter responded favorably but also wanted to extend the measure to neighboring departments.

The obligation also responds to a recommendation formulated by the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Ile-de-France. And it is more and more essential in France, in frequented areas of large cities or tourist sites. La Rochelle, Lille, Marseille Rennes, Nice, Strasbourg, Toulouse have thus taken the plunge. But also the main towns of Corsica, the medieval city of Carcassonne or the dune of Pilat. Now, 64% of French people want the mask to become mandatory in open public places, according to a survey published this Sunday in the JDD.

How were the sectors chosen?

Tourist places like the Butte Montmartre, festive spaces such as the quays of the Seine, the Canal Saint-Martin and the Bassin de la Villette, shopping streets and open markets: around a hundred sites are affected by the new obligation in Paris. “These are extremely busy places,” emphasizes Audrey Pulvar. We followed the recommendations of the police headquarters but also the very detailed instructions given by the mayors of the arrondissement. "

Some choices may seem incongruous. Thus, very popular sectors such as avenue de Champs-Elysées, rue de Rivoli or the area around the Forum des Halles are excluded from the system. "The main criterion that was retained is the ability for pedestrians to respect safety distances depending on the floor space and the influence of public facilities such as bus shelters or benches," argues the assistant. On the Champs-Elysées, the sidewalks are wide and unfortunately the crowd is less because there are few tourists. “Most of the sites chosen are located in the north and east of Paris, districts which remain very populated, even in summer, according to the City.

VIDEO. Masks mandatory in Paris: "There will be a clear display in the streets concerned"

Will there be control operations?

Police officers and City security agents will be on Monday morning on the affected premises, even if no figures have been communicated on the number of personnel deployed. But initially, the measure is mainly an incentive. "We will demonstrate pedagogy at the start," promises the police headquarters. "It is not Monday at 8 am that the ticket books will be released," confirms Audrey Pulvar.

On the other hand, in fifteen days maximum, the offenders will be liable to a fine of 135 euros. The obligation concerns people over 11 years old in the sectors concerned. Namely pedestrians but also joggers and cyclists, specifies the town hall of Paris. "To avoid manipulation, it is better to wear it as soon as you leave your home" advises the elected official.

Why will it be scalable?

The list of sites where the mask will be compulsory will be regularly re-evaluated, or even supplemented in the coming weeks, "according to epidemiological data and observation of frequentation within the Parisian public space". To the point of one day affecting the whole of the capital? "It does not seem necessary at this stage but the measure will be scalable", responds cautiously Audrey Pulvar.

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In the meantime, Parisians and visitors will have to keep an eye out for signs that will be installed on Monday morning or find out about the City's website to know when to wear the mask. A reflex to acquire while several specialists fear a re-entry at risk.

Source: leparis

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