Prime Minister Édouard Philippe presented on Tuesday the government's plan to restart the country in stages from May 11, while the epidemic continues to slow without having been stopped by 43 days of confinement. Throughout his speech, the wearing of the AA mask was the subject of several announcements.
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Mask compulsory in college, prohibited in kindergarten, not recommended in primary school
The Prime Minister announced that the wearing of masks was "compulsory for secondary school pupils" and that they would be supplied to those "who had not been able to obtain them". "All teachers and supervisors of educational establishments will receive masks which they will have to wear when they cannot respect the rules of distance."
On the other hand, wearing a mask "is prohibited in kindergarten" and "not recommended, given the risk of misuse, in elementary school". But in the latter, "National Education will put pediatric masks at the disposal of school directors, for special cases, for example if a child has symptoms, while his parents come to get him back".
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The mandatory mask in transport and recommended in shops
The wearing of a mask will in particular be compulsory in public transport. Concerning shops, "the wearing of a general public mask will be recommended for staff and customers when physical distance measures cannot be guaranteed", said the Prime Minister before adding that "a trader may make access conditional his store wearing a mask. "
Companies invited to supply masks
If Edouard Philippe strongly encouraged companies to maintain the teleworking system, when this is not possible, he "invited all companies, when their means allow it, to make sure to equip their employees" in protective masks. "Wearing a mask should be implemented when the rules of physical distance cannot be guaranteed in the organization of work," he said.
"It is a condition for recovery," insisted the Prime Minister, adding that the regions and the state "will put in place support for very small businesses and the self-employed" in this area.
Masks for the general public by La Poste
An e-commerce platform will be set up by La Poste from April 30 to distribute masks for the general public. This platform will be used to distribute "to those who need it every week several million masks for the general public", according to the Prime Minister.
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No mask shortage after May 11
While the government is strongly criticized for its management of mask stocks, Édouard Philippe wanted to be reassuring. The Prime Minister assured that there would be "enough masks in the country to meet the needs from May 11", at the time of the gradual lifting of the containment.
The Prime Minister also considered that it was "preferable", in "many circumstances", to "wear a mask" as scientists now recommend. At the same time, he invited individuals "to make masks for themselves", using the "practical guides for making" distributed.