Mask

Why might I be asked to wear a mask on French public transport?

Town halls and pharmacies are distributing face masks as part of the ‘Masque solidaire’ campaign

France condemned over its lack of masks during Covid pandemic

Paris court rules that professionals put at risk can claim compensation

France Covid: Have you started wearing a mask again? Your feedback

The French government recently urged the public to wear a face mask in crowded spaces to help stop the spread of Covid, flu and bronchiolitis

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Travel strikes, face masks, wood heating aid: The week ahead in France

The European Court of Human Rights will also rule on whether Éric Zemmour’s 2017 conviction for inciting hatred based on religion undermined his freedom of expression

Covid France: Extra booster fourth vaccine dose now open to all

It comes amid medication shortages - and masks being recommended again

Covid France: wear masks around the at-risk and on transport, says PM

‘The epidemic is striking again and is still killing people,’ Élisabeth Borne added as she urged the public to bring back infection control measures

Covid France: Face masks recommended in enclosed, busy spaces

The latest official figures show that cases and hospitalisations due to Covid are rising

Covid France: Why it’s becoming harder to track the epidemic

Test result levels are down and a lab staff strike has made the recent test figures less reliable than usual, as one expert warns of a new variant becoming dominant

French medics say face masks are needed again, especially on transport

The Académie de médecine states that masks would protect against Covid, seasonal flu and bronchiolitis but stopped short of saying they should be ‘mandatory’

Covid France: Hospitalisations increase as ‘rentrée’ wave grows

Cases were up more than 26% last week and hospital admissions are growing, but one expert has said that the impact of the ‘eighth’ wave is set to be ‘moderate’

Return of Covid face mask rules under consideration in France

The president of the official body which monitors health risks made the statement as eighth wave of virus mounts

We made an error on Covid masks, says France’s former health minister

Olivier Véran has discussed the behind-the-scenes details of the government’s Covid response as he publishes a book, saying it is ‘an opportunity to apologise’

French Court overturns decision to reinstate masks on Nice transport

The mayor of Nice had announced they would be brought back in from next Monday

Covid deaths in France surpass 150,000, hospitalisations on rise again

A seventh wave is currently spreading around the country

SNCF joins calls to bring back mask-wearing on French public transport

The government has already encouraged people to revive the measure but is not making it obligatory

Supermarket in France tries to ban masks inside ‘to fight shoplifting’

The director of the Carrefour franchise store in southeast France said that people wearing masks during Covid had made it more difficult to identify thieves

Can teachers require their pupils to wear a mask in France?

Mask-wearing ceased to be obligatory in most indoor spaces on March 14

Easter traffic, ferries and Flybe is back: eight France travel updates

Airlines are also pushing for France to remove mask-wearing rules on planes

Can my French employer make me wear a Covid facemask?

On a national level, it has not been obligatory to wear a mask in most indoor spaces since March 14

People with Covid will be able to vote in French presidential election

‘Voting is a constitutional right’ which should not be compromised, France’s government spokesperson has said

Are face masks still mandatory on all French public transport?

France’s mask-wearing rules were relaxed recently, but remain in place within spaces where barrier gestures cannot be maintained

Do I still need to wear a mask in pharmacies in France?

Wearing masks in shops has not been required since March 14, but they are still mandatory on public transport and in hospitals

Do I still need to wear a mask on a flight between the UK and France?

British airlines such as Jet2, Tui, Virgin and British Airways have announced changes to their rules on mask-wearing. We explain

End of France’s vaccine pass: What changes for tourists and residents?

The requirement to prove Covid vaccination status or immunity to enter leisure-orientated public places has been removed

Covid France cases stop falling but no reason necessarily for concern

Cases are higher in Brittany, the north east and south west but hospitalisations are dropping. It comes as the vaccine pass is set to be lifted on March 14

Recap: Mask wearing, vaccine pass… new rules for France from March 14

We also explain where a health pass is still needed

Masks, speed limits, meat labels: 16 changes for residents in March

Key changes this month in France include a possible end to the vaccine pass, clocks springing forwards for summer, speed limit changes in some departments, and more

Covid France: Three more changes to rules come into force today

February 28 sees the next stage in the easing of restrictions including for mask-wearing and testing

Where face masks will no longer be needed in France from February 28

If a vaccine pass is required, a mask is not, except in certain situations such as on public transport. See our full list here

Mask-wearing could end in French schools ‘within a few weeks’

France’s education minister has said that it is his ‘dearest wish’ to ease the rule for pupils if Covid figures permit

France to end mask rule in enclosed spaces where vaccine pass required

From February 28, it will no longer be necessary to wear a mask inside restaurants, cafes, gyms, cinemas or other places subject to the pass

Covid face masks no longer mandatory on French open-air ski lifts

They remain obligatory in enclosed spaces and recommended when outside

School rules, free masks, peak cases: Three Covid updates in France

Discussions are ongoing about relaxing the protocol in schools, it was announced today, while the most at-risk are now eligible for free FFP2 masks

Masks no longer mandatory outside in France: where must they be worn?

We outline the various indoor – and some outdoor – settings where they are still required

Masks mandatory (again) in certain outdoor areas in Paris

It comes after a court ended a similar rule last week, stating the measure was disproportionate, excessive and an attack on ‘individual freedom’

Why Paris court has overturned rule on mandatory outdoor mask-wearing

Local authorities retain the right to ‘demarcate specific zones where masks are mandatory’

French court says mandatory masks outdoors is ‘attack on freedom’

People in Yvelines no longer have to wear masks outdoors except in certain crowded areas. The court in Versailles called widespread mask wearing ‘disproportionate’

Covid France: High court validates rules on mandatory masks outdoors

However, the Conseil d’Etat said rules can only be applied under certain conditions

Why FFP2 masks may replace surgical ones for public workers in France

A decision on the more protective masks - which are up to 75 times more effective - is expected later today. We explain where to buy them and what to consider to get maximum protection

Recap: The seven key Covid rule changes that start in France today

The new measures – or changes to existing measures – begin as the Delta and Omicron variants continue to spread. Changes affect restaurants, children and positive and contact cases

New government measures: Where are masks now obligatory in France?

In the wake of the new anti-Covid measures, we look at where face masks are now mandatory

Covid: Face masks obligatory in streets of Paris from December 31

Specialist says spread of virus is less outside but is not zero - and that masks are essential in crowded areas

French health agency advises against FFP2 masks containing graphene

Anses reports a ‘lack of information’ surrounding the toxicity of this substance in the long term

Can I still wear home-made mask in France?

Reader question: Can I still wear my home-made mask now that 'official' ones are on sale in pharmacies and supermarkets?

When is it obligatory to wear a mask in France?

France has not generally made mask wearing obligatory in public spaces – however there are places where it is mandatory. We explain.

Masks: What are rules for beaches and campsites in France?

Do I need to wear a mask at the beach or at an outdoor pool at a campsite in France?

La rentrée: will the French state provide masks for my kids?

My two kids, aged 13 and 15, are set to go back to school on September 1 and I have been told they will need to wear masks. Will these be provided or do I have to pay?

Free masks in France: Who is eligible?

Reader question: I have heard that some people have received masks for free from the French government and I was wondering who was eligible for that and how to get one?

Should I wash my fabric face mask at 60 degrees?

Reader question: How often should I wash my reusable mask and is it true that I have to wash it at 60 degrees?

Covid France: Why does my FFP2 mask have holes in it?

FFP2, FFP3, surgical masks, category 1 masks... the rules can be confusing. We explain how different masks work and which ones people should and should not wear

Do I need to wear a mask after first Covid jab in France?

Around three million people in France have received a first dose of a Covid-19 vaccination - can they spread the virus?

Updated: Where in France do I have to wear a mask when I am outdoors?

As Covid cases in France continue to rise, several departments are imposing or reinforcing mask-wearing in certain outdoor spaces. Check the map to see the rules in your area

Recap: What are the rules for wearing a mask in France now?

Masks have once again become mandatory for many public places, after the government announced a series of new measures to combat the rising fifth wave of the virus

Masks, tests, boosters: new Covid rules to fight fifth wave in France

Health Minister Olivier Véran outlined plans to accelerate France’s vaccination campaign and adapt health pass and mask-wearing requirements. We look at the measures announced today

Covid: New mask rules in central France, update on booster doses

Some communes have brought back rules about wearing masks in outside spaces as cases continue to rise, but the government says there are ‘no plans’ for a lockdown

Masks obligatory again in schools: What is Covid situation in France?

The reproduction level of the virus is 1.2, which means the number of new cases is doubling every 15-20 days but hospitalisations are not rising so quickly

Masks to be required again in primary schools in 39 French departments

The measure is needed as Covid cases surge in the affected areas, the government has said. Consult our map to see case numbers near you and check if your department is affected

Surgical masks still effective after 10 washes, French study finds

A recent peer-reviewed study finds that surgical facemasks still offer more protection against the spread of Covid than fabric reusable ones, even after being washed several times

More French primary schools to end mask rule (but it is back for some)

The change will bring the number of departments where masks are not needed for pupils up to 79 with mask requirement returning for schools in Lozère in the south

Eight updates for train, ferry and plane travel to and from France

The UK prepares to change day two Covid test options, the US gives more details on border reopening and a new ferry terminal is inaugurated in Dunkirk

Tests, masks, vaccines: Covid updates for France this week

Rules change this week for self-tests and mask-wearing in schools in some departments - and a French study shows level of vaccination success

Mask rules dropped for primary pupils in further 21 French departments

Various measures are relaxed in areas where the Covid infection rate has stabilised below 50 per 100,000 people

Where in France will masks no longer be required in primary schools?

The new rule will apply to areas with low Covid case rates from October 4 but some doctors say it is wrong to base such a decision on statistics from adults

Covid France: Macron to discuss possible lifting of health rules

After the president hinted at a possible ‘reduction of rules’ this week, he is set to discuss possible changes next week as cases drop nationwide. Use our map to see the rates near you

Macron hints Covid health pass rules may be eased in parts of France

As Covid hospitalisations continue to decrease, the national incidence rate falls below 100 for the first time since July. Use our map to see the rates near you

Back to school: Guide to Covid rules for parents and pupils in France

We explain the Covid-19 protocol in place for schools this coming academic year, including when classes will close if a pupil tests positive, when masks must be worn and when social distancing rules will be in effect

In which French departments is mask-wearing currently obligatory?

You must still wear a mask in public outdoor spaces of some towns in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Brittany, Centre-Val de Loire, Corsica, Grand-Est, Normandy, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Pays-de-la-Loire

France’s Covid health pass now needed in shopping centres in 32 areas

New measures also mean masks must be worn in all indoor public venues in departments with a high rate of Covid-19 cases

UPDATED MAP: French departments where masks outdoors are now mandatory

Check our map to see which areas in France require masks to be worn outside at all times, in crowded areas or during certain periods of the day

Finistère brings back mandatory masks in outdoor areas in 22 towns

It applies mainly to popular tourist towns and areas, and is in effect from 09:00 to 22:00

Covid France: ‘Health pass effect’ brings optimism for autumn

The country may need fewer restrictions in September than previously thought, as a significant increase in vaccinations has ‘changed the data’, says the Institut Pasteur

Covid 4th wave France: Check mask-wearing and other rules in your area

As cases continue to spread, more areas have introduced restrictions, as banning drinking alcohol in public

Which areas of France are reinstating mandatory masks outdoors?

The rules are being updated regularly and depend on where you live. We explain...

New variant risk for France this winter, says top Covid advisor

Any return to normal will not be until 2022 or 2023, warns the president of le Conseil scientifique

Covid France: Alert level hit in 37 departments, measures reimposed

Rules on mask-wearing outdoors and early closure for bars and restaurants brought back in the worst-affected areas, as the health minister warns of a new wave