Coronavirus: can we wear a mask in France?

Since the law of October 11, 2010, it is prohibited to hide your face in France on the public highway. While the whole of France confines itself, and the government seems to be turning around on the usefulness of the mask, the question of its legality arises.

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" No one may, in public space, wear an outfit intended to conceal his face, " states the law. This offense can be punished with a fine of up to 150 euros. In early March, bogus police even took advantage of the law to swindle Chinese students who wore masks.

This law was passed during the presidential mandate of Nicolas Sarkozy in the context of the debate on the niqab , this feminine Islamic garment that covers the entire face except the eyes. Since then, this law has been convened several times to fight against the troublemakers masked in demonstrations.

The fact remains that today, while the country is going through one of the worst epidemics in its history, the French are increasingly coming out with their faces half hidden by a health mask.

Masks allowed for "health reasons"

This practice is in fact perfectly authorized and provided for by the legal framework, " if it is justified for health reasons ".

The Ministry of the Interior also confirmed in the Journal du Dimanche : " Wearing a mask intended to prevent any risk of contagion by Covid-19 does not constitute a criminal offense ". The ministry recalls that for the first round of municipal elections, on March 15, people who wore one could be asked to remove it, but " only if the identity could not be established ".