With cases of Covid increasing in France, “we must resume the reflex of putting on a mask” advises the Minister of Health. It is becoming compulsory again in certain hospitals, notably in La Rochelle, Strasbourg or Arcachon.
The mask is about to become a reflex again to protect yourself from Covid contamination. The university hospitals of Strasbourg once again recommend wearing masks in their establishments for patients and their staff. On September 22, 2023, the City of Perpignan made the port of mask required at the municipal medical health center. Since September 20, 2023 at La Rochelle, wearing a mask becomes compulsory again in the hospital center. A decision which aims to respond to the increase in hospitalized people testing positive for Covid-19. This includes healthcare professionals, patients and visitors. It is also at the hospitalArcachon. Concerning the question of making masks compulsory again in France, “we will see depending on the epidemic situation, replied the Minister of Health Aurélien Rousseau on France Inter on August 19, 2023. The question is first asked of healthcare teams in hospitals. These are measures that should be commonplace: we will wear the mask in the hospital, in the metro when we have symptoms, I hope during questions to the government in the Assembly.“The minister advised “resume the reflex of putting on a mask as soon as you have a symptom or as soon as you are in contact with vulnerable people” while “the incidence (of Covid, editor’s note) is rising, slightly”. Interviewed in Release on August 23, the president of Covars Brigitte Autran also had “recommended that infected people isolate themselves and wear a mask if they need to go to a public place. Where to wear it today? When to put it back? What are the instructions?
What are the rules for wearing a mask in October 2023?
Wearing a mask is no longer compulsory in France (except in certain hospitals which require it) but recommended in certain situations. “We must resume the reflex of putting on a mask as soon as we have a symptom or as soon as we are in contact with vulnerable people” explained the Minister of Health Aurélien Rousseau on BFM-TV Monday August 21, 2023. Same thing if you are positive for the virus. Wearing a mask is recommended by the government :
- in enclosed and promiscuous places and on public transport (metro, train, bus, plane, etc.);
- in large gatherings, including outdoors, for people who are fragile due to their age or pathologies;
- in the presence of elderly people, immunocompromised people or people suffering from chronic illnesses;
- for vulnerable people (elderly or immunocompromised people, etc.).
- in hospitals and for the elderly.
- in the event of symptoms and up to 7 days in the event of contact status at risk or leaving isolation.
Is a mask compulsory in the hospital?
If the mask is no longer compulsory by default throughout the territory, 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
- Pharmacy dispensaries
- Medical analysis laboratories
- Ehpad: Accommodation establishment for dependent elderly people
- Homes of elderly or disabled people who receive care (the obligation may be imposed by the employer of the professional who carries out interventions at home).
Several health establishments have made wearing a mask compulsory again. On September 25, 2023, the university hospitals of Strasbourg once again recommend wearing masks in their establishments for patients and their staff. On September 22, 2023, the City of Perpignan made the port of mask required at the municipal medical health center, 5 rue de la Fusterie reports the City Hall. Since September 20, 2023, the mask is again compulsory at La Rochelle hospital center for healthcare professionals, patients and visitors. Since August 11, 2023, the mask is also compulsory at Arcachon hospital in the establishment and there is a limitation on room visits “due to the increase in the number of Covid cases among staff of the establishment and some patients” can we read on his page Facebook.
Mandatory mask: “for the moment, we are not there yet”
THE postage due mask is no longer compulsory in France since August 1, 2022 but the head of a health establishment or a medico-social service may decide to make it compulsory according to theorder published in the Official Journal in July 2022. Faced with the increase in Covid cases in fall 2023, the question of making it compulsory again is being discussed again. “He will be considered if we returned to an intensive epidemic phasebut for now we are not there“replied Brigitte Autran in Libération.
Is a mask compulsory on transport? Planes?
Wearing a mask is no longer compulsory but remains recommended in enclosed and promiscuous places and public transport (metro, train, bus, plane, etc.), reportsth government. On planes, some companies may make masks compulsory on board. On his website, AirFrance indicates that wearing a mask (without valve) is strongly recommended on board our planes from the age of six. It may be mandatory on board or at the airport depending on your country of departure and destination.
Is a mask obligatory at the doctor’s office?
No, since August 1, 2022, the mask is no longer compulsory in medical offices and at the doctor’s office. On the other hand, the head of the medical office has the right to continue to impose the wearing of a mask for people aged 6 and over.
From what age is the mask compulsory?
When it is compulsory, wearing a mask must be worn from the age of 6.
What is the fine if you don’t wear a mask?
Not wearing a mask in a place where it is compulsory can be punished with a 4th class fine which is defined by a fixed fine of 135 euros. But the amount of the fine varies depending on the city. Its amount is indicated when the prefectural decree is published.