Paris (AFP)
The decree making it compulsory to wear a mask in all establishments open to the public, closed, "in particular shops", will come "into force next week", announced Prime Minister Jean Castex Thursday in the Senate.
"We are considering entry into force of these provisions on August 1," said the Prime Minister. "I understood that this deadline appeared late (...) the decree will therefore come into force next week," he said during his statement of general policy to the senators.
"Wearing a mask constitutes, with respect for barrier gestures, an effective preventive and protective measure," he stressed.
The announcement on July 14 by Emmanuel Macron of the obligation to wear a mask in "closed public places" from August 1 had delighted those who argued for this measure, but they demanded its application without delay and including on the work places.
Mr. Castex clarified that "in the so-called professional premises, this supposes an evolution of the sanitary protocols governing the activities concerned".
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