Masks became mandatory in enclosed spaces including shops across France on Monday July 20th, 2020, in an effort to prevent a second wave of the country’s corona virus outbreak.
In the covered market in the Atlantic seaside resort of La Baule-Escoublac, a sign greeted visitors: “Stop Corona virus. The wearing of a mask is mandatory”.
Government edicts about wearing face coverings to curb the spread of Covid-19 have sparked fierce debate in the United States and elsewhere about civil liberties.
In France, most people accept them as a necessary tool to fight the epidemic.
Anyone violating the new rule is liable to pay a 135-euro (155-dollar) fine.
Ministers accelerated the rule change because even though the disease has abated nationwide, there have been localised flare-ups that sparked fears of a second wave.
Over 30,000 deaths in France have been linked to Covid-19.
Source: Reuters London
