Mandatory Face Mask in France Lifted as COVID-19 Cases Decrease
FRANCE – Following the lowering of the cases of COVID-19, the authorities in the country decided to lift the mandatory face mask protocol.
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly changed the way people live in a lot of countries. For several months when cases were on an upward trend, several nations are on tight restrictions to fight the spread of the virus.
Most countries implemented travel restrictions that required travelers to undergo quarantine upon arrival to the country. There were also other requirements like a negative swab testing result apart from the mandatory quarantine. In fact, there were instances when borders and points of entry were closed by some nations.
Aside from the travel restrictions, several nations also implemented the mandatory face mask policy. One of these countries is France.
The wearing of a face mask was required most especially in public places and public transportations like trains, planes, and buses. The pandemic urged the people to live under a “new normal” setting.
Meanwhile, although there are still cases of COVID-19 in most countries around the world now, a decrease in the cases was noted in several nations. Many countries made changes to their protocols amid the lowering of the COVID-19 cases.
Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, more than 15 countries in Europe have lifted their mandatory face mask policy. One of those that lifted the said protocol is France.
Starting May 16, travelers in France no longer need to wear a face mask when riding buses, airplanes, and taxi cabs. French Health Minister Olivier Veran cited that it is due to the lowering cases of COVID-19 in the country. The move garnered different reactions from the people. Some individuals are grateful that they can now return to normalcy without the need to wear a face mask while others want to continue wearing a face mask while there are still cases of coronavirus.
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