The return of the compulsory mask in France is being studied by the French government. The mask is strongly recommended in transport and more generally “when there is a high concentration of people”. Hospital, doctor, pharmacy, elsewhere… Where should it (re)put it this fall?
[Mise à jour le 11 octobre 2022 à 12h00] Wear a protection’s mask (surgical, fabric, FFP2) allows to limit the risk of Covid contamination and avoid contaminating those around you. The mask is therefore an integral part of the prevention tools. Faced with the 8th epidemic wave, “Today, the recommendations are not sweet. They are polished. Then yes I recommend wearing a mask in transport (train, metro, etc.)“, insists Brigitte Autran, the president of Covars (Committee for monitoring and anticipating health risks) which replaces the Scientific Council, at the microphone of FranceInter on October 10. More generally, it remains”recommended to wear masks very frequently“, she specifies on RMC the October 4 2022. France is studying whether to make it compulsory again in certain places. “All European countries, the United States and North America are also studying this point. Today, no one has reintroduced the obligation of the mask, but everyone is studying it“, confirms Brigitte Autran. “We are in the process of calculating what would be the benefits of wearing a mandatory mask compared to wearing a recommended mask. guest ofRTL October 4, the Minister of Health François Braun also confirmed that “the measure” is on the table. He explains that it is necessary “wear the mask in all places where we are very close to each other, where there is a high concentration of people. It is all the more interesting that it works for Covid of course, but also for the flu that is coming, but also for viruses, bronchiolitis in children.” Is the mask still obligatory somewhere ? In pharmacy ? HAS the hospital ? Where is it still recommended? Rules in force in fall 2022.
Where is the mask compulsory today?
the mask is no longer compulsory in France since August 1, 2022. Including in hospitals, pharmacies, among doctors… Finally, in general. Because a decree published in the Official Journal indicates that the person in charge of the establishment or the medico-social service may decide to make it compulsory in hospitals, clinics, health centers, medical offices, pharmacies, nursing homes… For example, Paris hospitals (AP-HP) have decided to maintain this measure: “wearing a mask remains compulsory inside hospital buildings AP-HP (not in outdoor areas) for staff, patients and visitors“, they indicated to our colleagues from the Figaro July 28, 2022. In other words, wearing the mask remains compulsory from 6 years old in the Paris hospital establishments (he is there mandatory for caregivers, patients and visitors).
Where is the mask recommended?
On RTL, on October 4, the Minister of Health François Braun advised to “wear the mask in all places where we are very close to each other, where there is a high concentration of people”. For instance :
- public transport (train, bus, taxi…)
- performance halls (concerts, etc.)
- shopping centers
- bars
- restaurants
- cultural establishment (cinema, museum, etc.)
- meeting rooms
- health establishments, Ehpad…
Is the mask compulsory in transport?
The mask is no longer compulsory in transport but it is “strongly recommended” to wear it, recalls the Ministry of Health on September 11 “to protect yourself and others from the coronavirus”. Brigitte Autran, the president of Covars (Committee for monitoring and anticipating health risks) which replaces the Scientific Council recommends “wear masks very often“.
Is the mask compulsory on a train?
Wearing a mask is no longer compulsory in transport, therefore in trains and TGV but there is strongly recommended by the government and the president of SNCF.
Is the mask compulsory on the plane?
In Europe, no. L’European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) published, on May 11, 2022, an update of health security measures for air travel, “dropping the recommendation for the mandatory wearing of medical masks at airports and on board flights” [depuis le 16 mai officiellement].
Is the mask compulsory at the pharmacy?
Nope, since August 1, the mask is no longer mandatory in pharmacies. On the other hand, the head of the establishment has the right to continue to impose the wearing of a mask for people from 6 years old.
Is the mask compulsory at the doctor?
Nope, since August 1, the mask is no longer compulsory in medical offices and at the doctor’s. On the other hand, the head of the medical office has the right to continue to impose the wearing of a mask for people from the age of 6.
Is the mask compulsory in the hospital?
Since August 1, the mask is no longer compulsory in the hospital. Nevertheless, according to Public Service websitethe heads of health establishments have the right to continue to impose the wearing of a mask inside buildings, in the following establishments (from 6 years old):
- Hospitals, clinics, health centers
- Offices of medical professionals and psychologists, osteopaths, chiropractors and psychotherapists
- Pharmacies
- Medical analysis laboratories
- Ehpad: Accommodation establishment for dependent elderly people
- Homes of the elderly or disabled who receive care (the obligation may be imposed by the employer of the professional who carries out home interventions).
From what age is the mask compulsory?
In places requiring the wearing of a mask, wearing a mask is compulsory from the age of 6.
What fine if you don’t wear the mask?
Not wearing a mask in a place where it is compulsory can be sanctioned with a 4th class fine which is defined by a fixed fine of 135 euros. But the amount of the fine varies from city to city.. Its amount is indicated when the prefectural decree is published.
Sources
End of the “vaccination pass” and the mandatory mask. Government. March 14, 2022.
National protocol to ensure the health and safety of company employees in the face of the Covid-19 epidemic. Version applicable on September 1, 2021
Wearing a “general public” mask is compulsory in closed places – FAQ from the website of the Ministry of Solidarity and Health.