France: The use of the mask will not be mandatory on public transport

The use of the mask will not be mandatory on public transport from next Monday, the French Minister of Health announced today, thus lifting one of the last restrictive measures against Covid-19 in force in France.

“From Monday 16 May, the use of the mask will no longer be mandatory on all means of public transport,” said Minister Olivier Veran, leaving the cabinet. The measure concerns passengers on the metro, bus, train, plane and taxis, the office of the Minister of Health at the French Agency clarified.

“The use of the mask continues to be recommended but is no longer mandatory,” he said, adding that the restriction was no longer “appropriate” as the current wave of Covid-19s is greatly reduced in the country.

Infections and hospitalizations are currently falling sharply, although scientists warn that the epidemic may not be over, especially in the face of the threat of a new variant.

At present, the government announcement marks the lifting of the last major restriction imposed by the authorities on the Covid-19 pandemic that began to hit France, like its European neighbors, more than two years ago.

At the beginning of 2022, the government specifically put an end to the obligation to show the vaccination pass (certifying that the holder was vaccinated against Covid) so that he could have access to many places, such as public transport, restaurants and cinemas.

After the end of the use of the mask in transport, however, some restrictions will continue to be maintained. A “health” pass – which is different from the vaccine pass – as it also works in the event of a recent negative test – will continue to be required for access to health services, and an isolation for at least a week will continue to be imposed after a positive test.

At the hospital level, unvaccinated nurses, who are currently unable to practice, will not be reinstated immediately, but the government will look into the matter.

“We will be reviewing it regularly,” Veran said, announcing his intention to seek the opinion of the Supreme Health Authority (HAS) shortly, Veran said.

Finally, the minister spoke about the possibility of a new repeat vaccination campaign in the fall, but reserved the right to give more details, emphasizing that everything will depend on the appearance of new variants and the more or less dangerous or resistant to existing vaccines.

SOURCE: AMPE