French officials have invited or recommended people to go back to using face masks but stopped short of renewing restrictions that would scare visitors away or revive anti-government protests. Wearing masks on public transport remains recommended, especially for vulnerable people. AFP via Getty Images. By SYLVIE CORBET June 16, 2021. "Wearing a mask remains recommended," he added, but the rule is "no longer appropriate" given the large drop in Covid cases recently. Travel in France Wearing masks on public transport is no longer compulsory, although some towns and cities may require mask wearing on public transport. Hassani Mohammed, a postal worker in Paris, didnt wait for the government to decide. It ultimately introduced some of Europes toughest restrictions, including an indoors and outside mask mandate that lasted more than a year, along with strict lockdowns. . France's parliamentary elections last month resulted in President Emmanuel Macron losing his majority in the national legislature, while parties on the far right and the far left that had protested his government's earlier vaccine and mask rules gained seats. A tour guide and electric bicycle taxi driver in Nice described her joy at seeing foreign visitors again. French government spokesperson Olivia Gregoire has said there are no plans to reintroduce national regulations that limit or set conditions for gathering indoors and other activities. Mask-wearing requirements are also set to be lifted in airports and on flights in Europe the same day,the EU Aviation Safety Agency said. He masks up before his daily commute. Well send you a link to a feedback form. A Paris court ruled Tuesday that the French government failed to sufficiently stock up on surgical masks at the start of the pandemic and to prevent the virus from spreading. The measures for Nice coincide with similar new rules to make the wearing of masks compulsory outdoors in several major French cities, as France looks to fight against a resurgence of the COVID-19 virus. PARIS (Reuters) - People will have to wear masks outdoors in many of the major areas of the southern French city of Nice, Mayor Christian Estrosi said on Monday, including parts of the tourist spot of the Promenade des Anglais. "Everyone is so pleased to see you, everyone is really polite and nice to visitors. Unvaccinated arrivals must take a negative test prior to departure. Vertaldi, who was boarding a train in Boussy-Saint-Antoine south of Paris, said she opposed mandatory mask use but would cover her mouth and nose again, if the government requires it. "It's been delightful from start to finish," said Ros Runcie, who was in Nice with her husband, Gordon. dailyrecord Load mobile navigation. Enter your password to log in. Hassani Mohammed, a postal worker in Paris, didnt wait for the government to decide. Each email has a link to unsubscribe. What the End of COVID-19 Emergency Declarations Means for Employers On the French Riviera, a slow economic recovery began last summer. https://t.co/mLmxlJCJK5, Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) June 5, 2022. Previously, this rule only. The European Union has made changes to the conditions of its current COVID pass for travel. PARIS, June 27 (Reuters) - French people should start wearing masks again in crowded areas, especially in public transport, as France has to deal with a new wave of COVID-19 infections. People will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination to enter a restaurant, go to the gym or board a train. Coronavirus: France makes masks mandatory in some outdoor - euronews Make the most of your time in France with Lonely Planets range of travel guides and phrasebooks. France hasrecorded just under 147,000 Covid deaths since the outbreak emerged. But that requirement was quickly scrapped on Saturday after the Interior Ministry weathered ridicule over the baffling complexity of its two-page printable permission slip, which provided check boxes alongside no fewer than 15 authorised reasons for outings, each described in very technical language. "In the end, it will be better than before because we gain an hour in the evening with the curfew at 7pm," Louise, a yoga teacher, told Agence France-Presse. He masks up before his daily commute. She said she still diligently disinfects the bike before each ride, like its 2020.. A Paris court ruled Tuesday that the French government failed to sufficiently stock up on surgical masks at the start of the pandemic and to prevent the virus from spreading. UPDATE: The parts of France that have enforced extra local Covid You should not go directly to the doctor or emergency services. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. It ultimately introduced some of Europes toughest restrictions, including an indoors and outside mask mandate that lasted more than a year, along with strict lockdowns. On Tuesday, 56,449 new cases were reported over the previous 24 hours, mainly the Omicron variant, despite a concerted vaccination campaign that has seen 79.3 percent of the population receive all three required doses, according to health ministry data. The administrative court in Paris also ruled that the government was wrong to suggest early on that masks did not protect people from becoming infected. "The fact that people are outside doesn't worry me," epidemiologist Renaud Piarroux, who heads the parasitology unit at Paris's Piti-Salptrire hospital, told the LCI news channel on Monday. France eases mask rules; will end nightly virus curfew. I am surprised about the American AIrlines flight in post 9 and believe this to be an infringement of French law. Virus-related hospitalizations rose quickly in France over the past two weeks, with nearly 1,000 patients with COVID-19 hospitalized per day, according to government data. French tourism professionals expect a booming summer season despite the virus, with numbers that may even surpass pre-pandemic levels as Americans benefit from the weaker euro and others rediscover foreign travel after more than two years of a more circumscribed existence. The most comprehensive solution to manage all your complex and ever-expanding tax and compliance needs. ", Sue Baker, who was traveling with her husband, Phil, and the Runcies, observed, "It feels very much like pre-2020. It ultimately introduced some of Europe's toughest restrictions, including an indoors and outside mask mandate that lasted more than a year, along with strict lockdowns. In March authorities began offering a fourth vaccine dose to people age80 and over, and Vran said a new booster campaign for the general population could be necessary in the autumn depending on which new variants emerge. (AP Photo/Michel Euler), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news, Infections are also rising across Europe and the United States, https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic. France's COVID death toll rose by 48 over 24 hours on Tuesday, to 149,406. ", "We wantto put the brakes on the virus without locking ourselves away, without being confined," President Emmanuel Macron elaborated on Friday, rejecting the term "lockdown". It ultimately introduced some of Europe's toughest restrictions, including an indoors and outside mask mandate that lasted more than a year, along with strict lockdowns. By clicking Sign up you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice. We did it for the chocolatiers because it's Easter," Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire told RTL radio on Sunday. The UK has been moved from the orange or mid-risk list to France's lower-risk green category in its international travel restrictions, making it significantly easier for UK travelers who haven't been vaccinated against COVID-19 to visit France. The number of people hospitalised for the disease fell to a six-month low of 13,876 on June 18 but it has since increased by 1,223 to 15,099, a four-week high. PARIS (Reuters) - People will have to wear masks outdoors in many of the major areas of the southern French city of Nice, Mayor Christian Estrosi said on Monday, including parts of the tourist. This account already exists. Travellers outside these circumstances will need to pay for a COVID-19 test. "Vaccinations are a game-changer,"he told the newspaper,pledgingto provide 100,000 extra doses over the next 15 days to the regions hardest-hit by the current surge of Covid-19 infections. The government is under increasing pressure to make masks mandatory on a national level. Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. A small step across the Dnipro River, a giant leap for Ukraines counteroffensive? That total is nonetheless still five times lower than the 366,179 record at the start of the year. 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This includes eating at restaurants and cafes, visiting museums and other cultural sites, watching a movie at a cinema (remember those days), etc. Self-administered rapid antigen tests can be purchased from pharmacies. From Paris commuters to tourists on the French Riviera, many people seem to welcome the governments light touch, while some worry that required prevention measures may be needed. Blade Runner vandal chopping Ulez cameras down breaks silence. Wearing masks on public transport is no longer compulsory, although some towns and cities may require mask wearing on public transport. France reported new 17,601 coronavirus infections over the past 24 hours, the highest figure for a Monday since April 18. These single use, blue/ white or green / white. Moreover, were dropping face masks without implementing any parallel measures to ventilate closed spaces and prevent viral concentrations., He added: With the presidential campaign in full swing, the motive is clearly political, not sanitary.. Jerome Marty, who is head of the doctors union UFML, told France24: It wouldnt have bothered me if infections were falling, but clearly its not the case. New York City Mayor Eric Adams unveiled a new plan Sunday to give away Apple AirTags with the hope of catching car thieves. The limited measures bolster the impression the French government is mainly counting on its vaccination programmewhich has seen 6.1 million vaccinated, including 2.4 million fully inoculated with second doses and improving weather conditions to quell the crisis. Meteorologist Kristen Currie spoke with Lily Velez with Veterinarians.org to discuss some of the reasons Texas sees more heat-related pet deaths than any other state. France is updating its rules for travel again, making it easier for vaccinated passengers to visit. We are confident that people will behave responsibly.. Read our Privacy Policy. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Biden border policies have caused catastrophe in Texas: Rep. Congresswoman says GOPs future is younger, more diverse, Texas ranks No. There are options, 'Stranger than fiction': Tick bite may cause allergy, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Public transport - wearing a mask is compulsory on all forms of public transport in France -. We did it because there are professions like florists that makehalf their turnover duringspring. Francehas lifted restrictions on unvaccinated travelers from the UK, which means that effective today passengers who haven't had the jab can visit without an essential reason. PARIS, June 27 (Reuters) - French people should start wearing masks again in crowded areas, especially in public transport, as France has to deal with a new wave of COVID-19 infections fuelled by new variants of the disease, Health Minister Brigitte Bourguignon said on Monday. Some travel operators such as airlines may specify types of masks to be worn on board e.g. In recent weeks, France has relaxed other pandemic measures by suspending the vaccine pass requirement to enter indoor establishments and removing the mask mandate, withthe exception of public transportation. Mask mandates have been lifted in most venues including shops, restaurants, gyms, museums and workplaces, but there are some exceptions. Walking in a park, riding a bike We need those [activities] so we don't crack. Starting May 2, there will be no coronavirus-related travel restrictions in place for tourists visiting Switzerland. Now, passengers on her bike from the U.S., Australia, Germany, Italy or beyond reach for the hand disinfectant taped to the barrier between the passenger and driver's seats. ", But his wife added, "If it means we can still go on a holiday, we'll put them back on without hesitation. Do children need a booster for travel in Europe this summer? On the French Riviera, a slow economic recovery began last summer. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status. Le Deley reported from Boussy-Saint-Antoine, France. Masked passengers ride a metro in France. But if the lightness of the new measures wasdesigned to make them more popular, the government may have misjudged the public mood. French government spokesperson Olivia Gregoire has said there are no plans to reintroduce national regulations that limit or set conditions for gathering indoors and other activities. Masks have been contentious in France. The new measuresalso limit the freedom to take a walk or practise sport to a radius of 10km from one's home and with no time limit between 6am and 7pm, up from the one-hour/one-kilometre limit that largely characterised previous lockdowns. French authorities 'encourage' mask use as COVID cases surge How many extracurriculars are too many when applying for college? Some existing restrictions were loosened, adding to the sense of confusion over the new regime. The Mediterranean port city,. In northwest France, Brittany's Finistere area, on Monday ordered people to cover their mouths and noses outdoors after an increase in Covid cases. Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning, Take international news everywhere with you! The shop closures, perhaps the most visible of the new measures, predictably raised business leaders'hackles. A passenger, wearing a protective face mask, walks past a self service ticketing of airline company Air France in the departures area at the Nantes-Atlantique airport in Bouguenais near Nantes, France, June 29, 2022. New infections have been steadily rising since the end of May in France, with the seven-day moving average of daily new cases more then quadrupling between the May 27 figure of 17,705 and Monday's 71,018. If you have a prescription from a French medical practitioner or are identified as having been in contact with someone who has a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, supervised COVID-19 tests remain free as long as you present a valid UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). "We have to learn tolivewith [the virus];I've been saying thisfor a year. PARIS (AP) France on Wednesday eased several COVID-19 restrictions, with authorities saying it's no longer always mandatory to wear masks outdoors and halting an 8-month nightly coronavirus curfew this weekend. Current mask rules for popular holiday spots like Spain, Greece and France Now, passengers on her bike from the U.S., Australia, Germany, Italy or beyond reach for the hand disinfectant taped to the barrier between the passenger and drivers seats. View Health for further details on healthcare in France. There is traditionally a two-week delay between cases and hospitalisation trends and then a similar delay regarding COVID-deaths. New sanitary measures mandated in France amid fourth wave of Covid-19 Sign up for exclusive newsletters, comment on stories, enter competitions and attend events. marital / birth name), please also carry any supporting documentation (e.g. NICE, France (AP) Tourism is booming again in France and so is COVID-19. Obviously some people will always ignore the rules, but here's what the current regulations say. A Paris court ruled Tuesday that the French government failed to sufficiently stock up on surgical masks at the start of the pandemic and to prevent the virus from spreading. Masks have been contentious in France. France required people, including tourists, to show a vaccine pass(pass vaccinal) or health pass(pass sanitaire) to board public transport and to enter most venues includingmuseums, galleries, theaters, restaurants, and tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower. Fully vaccinated travelers arriving in France from Britain can once again fly down its world-class ski slopes. Infections are also rising across Europe and the United States, but France has an exceptionally high proportion of people in hospital, according to Our World in Data estimates. We are confident that people will behave responsibly.. Failure to comply could result in a135 fine. France further eases COVID restrictions on masks and health passes "We made some exceptions, such as hairdressers,for French people's morale. "I'm not merely advising it, I'm asking for it," adding face masks should also be worn again in other closed areas, such as workplaces or shops. The administrative court in Paris also ruled that the government was wrong to suggest early on that that masks did not protect people from becoming infected. France asks citizens to wear masks again in public transport To be considered fully vaccinated, you must have received a booster dose no later than nine months after receiving the last dose ofyour primary vaccine schedule if you're over 18. Those vaccinated in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland can also choose to scan and save the NHS QR code into Frances TousAntiCovid digital app. Its been delightful from start to finish, said Ros Runcie, who was in Nice with her husband, Gordon. Lockdown confusion: France's new Covid-19 rules raise questions Masks have been contentious in France. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Masks on Airplanes - Paris Forum - Tripadvisor France has one of the highest vaccination rates in Europe, at more than 90 per cent for those who are eligible for a vaccine. 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Local officials are contemplating new measures, including an indoor mask mandate in some cities, but nothing that would curb economic activity. France travel during COVID-19: What it felt like to visit this winter. Masks were made mandatory in all enclosed public spaces and shops on July 22. mask situation - Nice Forum - Tripadvisor However, as they are 'suspended' rather than scrapped, the passes could be introduced again if cases spike or a new COVID-19 variant of concern emerges. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. >> In pictures: A look back, one year after France went into lockdown. Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. After the prime minister this week recommended that people resume wearing masks on public transportation, commuter Raphaelle Vertaldi said, We need to deal with the virus, but we cant stop living because of it.. Although BA had lifted the obligation for mask wearing on board, masks were obligatory on the two flights because French rules state this is so. Barbara Surk and Jade Le Deley/Associated Press, People wearing face masks to protect against COVID-19 ride a subway in Paris, Thursday, June 30, 2022. All telephone numbers are available 24/7. Most pharmacies can do antigen tests for about 25, and PCR tests can cost about 45. Effective March 2022, masks are no longer required in indoor spaces and public transport but still highly recommended in enclosed and small spaces, in hospitals, and other medical centers. France ends major COVID rules: what changes for travelers - Lonely Planet French tourism professionals expect a booming summer season despite the virus, with numbers that may even surpass pre-pandemic levels as Americans benefit from the weaker euro and others rediscover foreign travel after more than two years of a more circumscribed existence. France has eased restrictions for UK visitors Getty Images, France's travel rules have changed again as restrictions are dropped for UK visitors. "The French people are sick of restrictions," she said Wednesday on channel BFMTV. French officials have invited or recommended people to go back to using face masks but stopped short of renewing restrictions that would scare visitors away or revive antigovernment protests. Half-term holidays abroad are set to become easier for UK families this year as the the NHS Covid Pass for travel becomes available to teenagers. 14 March 2022 F rance has lifted most of its Covid restrictions including vaccine passes and mandatory mask-wearing from Monday. But with attendance at gatherings still capped, social distancing rules and travel restrictions in place a year ago, most visitors to the area were French. NICE, France - Tourism is booming again in France -- and so is COVID-19. Infections are also rising across Europe and the United States, but France has an exceptionally high proportion of people in the hospital, according to Our World in Data estimates. You must be at least 18 years old to create an account, Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number, I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from Evening Standard. With hospitalizations up, France weighs return to masks - CTVNews "We aren't stopping people from going outside, we are limiting gatherings indoors. France's Covid vaccine pass system and mandatory mask-wearing lifted Early in the pandemic, the French government suggested masks weren't helpful. They started with a cruise down the River Rhne face masks were mandatory on the ship - and ended with a few days on the Mediterranean. Covid-19: Masking requirements to be lifted on French transport You might also like:First-time France: where to go and what to doFrances 10 most stunning road tripsThe 12 best beaches in France, This article was first published July 2021 and updated April 2022. As of 1 February 2023, it is no longer mandatory to self-isolate following a positive COVID-19 test but remains recommended. France has more sense than the UK, with its poorly-advised and unenforceable quarantine policies, and absence of testing at ports of entry, and total absence of enforcement.