Paris again makes face masks compulsory outdoors
Visitors wearing protective facemasks queue as they wait for the partial reopening of Eiffel Tower on June 25, 2020, in Paris, when France eases lockdown measures taken to curb the spread of the COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus. AFP
PARIS — Wearing face masks outdoors will become compulsory again in Paris this week in a bid to slow the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant, French police said on Wednesday.
The mandate will apply from Friday to everyone over 11 except those inside vehicles, cyclists, users of two-wheeled transport like scooters and those doing sport, Paris police HQ said in a statement.
France on Wednesday reported a new record-high daily Covid-19 case total of 208,000 as Omicron drives infections up after Christmas.
“I wouldn’t call Omicron a wave anymore… I would call it a tidal wave,” said French Health Minister Olivier Veran.
The government has announced new restrictions including an extension on the closure of nightclubs and encouraging more remote working.
But it has so far shied away from mass closures or lockdowns seen in other EU countries such as the Netherlands.
RELATED STORY
France has millions of unsold face masks after virus crisis
For more news about the novel coronavirus click here.
What you need to know about Coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.
The Inquirer Foundation supports our healthcare frontliners and is still accepting cash donations to be deposited at Banco de Oro (BDO) current account #007960018860 or donate through PayMaya using this link.
