Paris (AFP)
The government wants to modify "by the end of August" the health rules to contain the coronavirus in business, in particular via the "compulsory wearing of a mask" in certain situations, indicates the Minister of Labor, Elisabeth Borne, in an interview with the Journal of Sunday.
Two weeks before the start of the school year and in the midst of an epidemic resumption, "on Tuesday we will present to the social partners the first changes that we propose to introduce", announces Ms. Borne, adding that these decisions will have to be taken "in the coming days, so that the new rules can apply by the end of August ".
Among these measures, "the compulsory wearing of a mask" will be recommended "in meeting rooms where there is no natural ventilation (and) circulation spaces", but not necessarily in individual offices where "there is no 'is probably not necessary, "she says.
The Minister intends to seize the High Council of Public Health on the case of "open spaces" and the effectiveness of Plexiglas windows to protect employees.
On the other hand, she sees "no reason to question the current rule of distance" imposing one square meter per workstation.
Employers, for their part, must be "more vigilant" when "workers are accommodated in collective accommodation, as is the case for seasonal workers", but also "in cold and humid environments" such as slaughterhouses, believes Ms. Thick headed.
As for teleworking, it "remains recommended" and "it must be implemented whenever possible in areas of active circulation of the virus," she says.
In addition, the Minister of Labor recognizes that the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus "results in more social plans", with "275 plans to safeguard employment launched since the beginning of March".
© 2020 AFP