Wearing the mandatory mask everywhere (or almost) is now! Faced with the concern of doctors concerned about the risk of a resumption of the Covid-19 epidemic, the Prime Minister, Jean Castex, is hastening his pace.
From the start of the week - and not on August 1 as Emmanuel Macron first wished -, you will have to wear a mask as soon as you frequent "closed public places". A decree "with immediate effect", expected Monday or Tuesday, according to Olivier Véran, the Minister of Health, will specify the list. Prepare yourself, because failing that, from July 20, you may be turned away from supermarkets. Here's what you need to know.
Shops in the crosshairs
They are the first to be affected by this obligation to wear a mask. In question, the excessive relaxation of certain customers, encouraged by a cacophony of rules from one store to another. According to the manager, you can enter without a mask or not. "But the risk is real, warns the academic Francis Allard. In shopping centers, air conditioning is often recycled internally without a large supply of fresh air, this promotes the spread of the virus, "explains this CNRS researcher specializing in aerosols.
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To avoid this "erratic" behavior between stores, underlined by Emmanuel Macron himself during his televised intervention on July 14, it will therefore be wearing a mask everywhere and for everyone, whether in a supermarket or at side. Some groups such as Super U have not waited: since Thursday, we no longer enter the supermarkets of this brand without mask!
VIDEO. Masks will be mandatory in enclosed public places
The frequented halls also targeted
There is no precise definition of what is a closed place, but if the will is to target any place involving immediate promiscuity, in clear areas with high traffic, specialists expect that the decree will be based on what the administration lists as being an ERP (establishment open to the public). Station halls, but also hotel waiting rooms, building reception areas, covered parking lots, should be required to wear masks, as well as university lecture halls.
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For cinemas, it is less clear. Since their reopening on June 22, they must already enforce measures of social distancing between spectators. The mask is mandatory in the halls and when traveling, but not during the session. Should we go further? "In any case, there must be harmonized rules, readable and understandable by all, without which people will not adhere", warns Francis Allard.
Will there be a penalty?
The President of the Republic did not specify it. Jean Castex no more. On the bus as on the metro or on the train, the fine is 135 euros. It is also the amount that was fixed by the prefect of Mayenne, where the epidemic is galloping and where people are encouraged to get tested, in cities where the mask is now mandatory. Will the official amount, for the whole territory, be the same? For the moment, it is not yet specified. Almost everywhere abroad, non-compliance with the wearing of masks is also penalized. In Belgium, it costs 250 euros. In England, it will soon be 110 euros when you are surprised to do your shopping with your face uncovered.
And at the office?
Down with the masks, where will it be, apart from the home? Companies are not affected by the upcoming decree. It is up to them to manage "on a case-by-case basis, depending on the situation", explained Jean Castex in Le Parisien - Today in France in front of our readers. But that does not mean that the constraints will not be reinforced. In general, in companies, it will be compulsory to wear it during meetings or if the distance of at least one meter cannot be respected. The health protocols will be enriched with new recommendations according to the activities, warned the Prime Minister in the Senate.