Masks to be compulsory at workplaces in France

French workers should wear masks in all collective workplaces as part of a government plan to contain an alarming rebound in coronavirus infections, Labor Minister Elisabeth Borne announced on Tuesday.

During talks with employer and union representatives over protection procedures, Borne proposed mask-wearing in common enclosed spaces such as meeting rooms, open offices, canteens, while workers at private offices could take off the mask.

The minister added that

working from home is recommended in high-risk zones to avoid physical contact and help slow down the virus circulation.

The new measure aims “to reassure employees that, collectively, we are taking precautions to prevent the spread of the virus,” Borne said in a statement.

In a recent interview, the minister said the government’s proposal, whose modalities would be discussed with trade unions, will take effect by the end of August.

The move came as coronavirus infections spiraled higher and the number of active clusters in enterprises increased in recent weeks.

Deterioration in sanitary indicators had prompted the government to make face coverings mandatory outdoors and empower local authorities to impose localized confinement, notably in high-risk zones.

The past weekend saw France‘s daily infection jumping to over 3,000 for the first time since May. Up to 15,726 new cases were confirmed in the previous week, up from 10,800 registered a week earlier, according to Health Ministry’s data.

Source: Xinhua