France is turning the page on protection measures, making the use of the mask mandatory in several enclosed spaces for all those who have a health certificate.
In particular, those who display a health certificate in cinemas, museums and sports facilities will be able to enter without a mask.
"Where there is a health certificate against her Covid-19"Citizens 'will be able to take off their masks', unless there is a directive to the contrary from the local authorities depending on the epidemiological situation," French Health Minister Olivier Veran said today before a bill could be considered in Parliament.
As Veran explained, the mask will no longer be mandatory because the health certificate indicates that "we are sure that everyone who enters is fully vaccinated or has a very recent test that is negative."
This measure is included in a decree published today in the Government Gazette, which also stipulates that in places with a capacity of 50 people or more, the health certificate must be displayed, which will be mandatory in cultural places (cinemas, museums, theaters, etc.). .etc.) from tomorrow.
However, unlike the public who will have access to them, the employees in the specific areas will have to wear a mask.
"Mask use remains the norm in business. "As the certificate is mandatory from August 30 for employees (in the areas subject to the certificate), it is not currently planned to be abolished for employees", according to the Ministry of Labor.
Scientists are reacting
The end of the mask obligation for citizens in these areas "will gradually improve the daily life of the French," Veran said.
On the contrary, the well-known epidemiologist Dominique Costagliola says that he heard the decision with surprise. "It's a bad idea," she said, adding that restrictive measures are needed to tackle the pandemic and "not take concrete action when we put others in their place."
Under the influence of the more contagious Delta strain, the epidemic is once again on the rise in France, to such an extent that the government is now talking about a fourth wave. Nationwide, the daily average of 7 new cases in 8.000 days exceeds 1.850, compared to just XNUMX at the end of June.
"We are between 100 and 130% increase in a week," Veran said, with the French government fearing that this increase, which mainly affects young people, would reach the elderly or vulnerable citizens who have not been vaccinated and lead to an increase. of hospitalizations.
"Our (hospital) indicators, although they remain quite low, have started to increase," the minister warned.
in.gr