Starting today Paris makes masks mandatory at many public spaces

A map shows where the new rules apply as of this morning

Starting today, 10 August, for a period of one month it will be mandatory to wear a mask in Paris, the authorities announced over the weekend. The decision by the Prefect of Police, together with the Mayor of Paris, comes in response to the increasing number of new coronavirus cases in the city of Paris and the surrounding region. The new rule applies to people over the age of 11 visiting crowded places.

The surge in Covid-19 positive cases in Paris caused the reintroduction of masks

Since mid-July, all indicators have shown that the new coronavirus is once again actively circulating in the region of Paris, with authorities registering nearly 400 new positive cases a day. The rate of positive tests as of yesterday stands at 2.4% in Ile-de-France compared to the 1.6% national average.

Furthermore, the incidence is particularly high among the 20 to 30-year olds. It is also stronger in Paris and in some areas of the inner districts (Seine-Saint-Denis, Val de Marne, Hauts-de-Seine), as well as in a few localities in Val d´Oise.

This is what prompted the Ile-de-France Regional Health Agency to recommend the introduction of compulsory mask-wearing in certain areas with high population density and where observing social distancing is difficult.

Everyone over the age of 11 must respect the new rules, apart from handicapped people possessing a medical certificate. As per the new rules, failure to comply with this obligation in the areas concerned will be punishable by a fine of 135 euros.

Where is it mandatory to wear a mask in Paris?

The city of Paris has published on its website a list with the zones where masks are mandatory as of today at 8:00. Such zones exist in each district apart from 8th district, where the iconic Avenue des Champs-Élysées is located.

For example, in the city centre Montorgueil street, Marché des Enfants Rouges, Rambuteau Street, Bretagne Street, Francs Bourgeois Street, Saint-Honoré Street and Montmartre Street are included. An online map prepared by the City of Paris also clearly shows the areas and places where masks are now mandatory.

Finally, these areas will be the subject of regular assessment and are likely to change in the coming weeks depending on epidemiological data and observations on the use of public spaces.