RETURN OF THE MASK. Faced with the rise in Covid cases in France in August, some people decided to put the mask back on to protect themselves from the virus and health establishments made it compulsory again.
Resumption of the Covid ? A “slight increase (in the incidence rate) in all age groups” is observed, informs Public Health France on August 16, 2023, involving “continue vigilance”. Moreover, we observe in the transports in common and in enclosed public spaces (such as stores) THE return to wearing a mask by some people. THE August 11, Arcachon hospital decided to make it compulsory again in the establishment and to limit room visits “due to upsurge in the number of Covid cases among staff of the establishment and some patients” he explained on his page Facebook. Where to wear it today? When to put it back? What are the instructions?
What are the instructions for wearing a mask in 2023?
THE postage due mask is no longer compulsory in France (since August 1, 2022) in the establishments open to the public, nor in transport sea, river, land and air. Same thing in the hospitalsTHE pharmaciesamong doctors… but the person in charge of a health establishment or the medico-social service can decide to make it compulsory according to thedecree published in the Official Journal in July 2022. Wearing a mask is nevertheless recommended by the government :
- in closed and crowded places and public transport (metro, train, bus, plane, etc.);
- in large gatherings, including outdoors, for people who are fragile due to their age or their pathologies;
- in the presence of elderly, immunocompromised or chronically ill people;
- for fragile people (elderly or immunocompromised…).
- in hospitals and for the elderly.
- in case of Covid symptoms
It is also recommended to put on a protective mask if you are positive for Covid-19.
Is the mask compulsory in transport?
The mask is no longer compulsory in transport but it remains strongly recommended in view of the proximity between travelers. Brigitte Autran, the president of Covars (Committee for monitoring and anticipating health risks) which replaces the Scientific Council recommended in January 2023 to “wear masks very often“.
Is the mask compulsory in the hospital?
THE August 11, 2023, Arcachon hospital announced the return of mandatory mask wearing in the establishment and the limitation of room visits “due to upsurge in the number of Covid cases among staff of the establishment and some patients” can we read on his page Facebook. If the mask is no longer compulsory by default throughout the territory, the heads of establishments can impose it from the age of 6 in the following establishments:
- 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).
Is the mask compulsory at the doctor?
No, since August 1, 2022, the mask is no longer mandatory in medical practices 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.
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.