The Minister of Health, Olivier Véran, said Wednesday on France 2 that the government was going to send 40 million washable general public masks free of charge to the 7 million poorest French people. "It is obvious that France will not leave people unable to equip themselves with masks," he said, while wearing a mask is mandatory in public places closed since Monday to stop a recovery of the coronavirus epidemic, and may even be worth a fine of 135 euros in the event of an offense.
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A contract with La Poste
"We are going to send 40 million washable masks for the general public, usable 30 times, so as to provide 7 million French people who are at the level of the poverty line - beneficiaries of the complementary health solidarity -, so as not to ask them any action" , he detailed. "We are signing a contract with the Post Office which has undertaken to send these free masks within a few days, for three months' protection. In addition, health insurance will reimburse 100% for surgical masks for 2 million. of French people who are carriers of vulnerability. "
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The association of consumers CLCV had pointed out Monday a problem of "additional cost for precarious populations". The minister also indicated that "possible additional measures" to strengthen border controls could be taken on Friday during the new Defense Council on the Covid-19 crisis. Asked about the waiting times to be tested, he also indicated that he signed an order this morning allowing laboratory technicians but also "caregivers, health students and even rescuers" to be able to carry out the tests then that the laboratories are lacking in manpower.