France introduced one of the strictest lockdowns in Europe at the start of the pandemic, causing the number of corona cases to drop rapidly. From March 16, people were only allowed to move outside within a radius of 1 kilometer from their home address and you had to carry a form with you on which the purpose of your destination was written and the time that you had left your home, because you could only be 1 hour to outside.

From 11 May, people were allowed to move within a radius of 100 km from the home address and on 2 June this restriction was also removed. As of 20 July, the wearing of masks in public areas and shops was made compulsory, mainly because there were no masks available before this date. Many people have suddenly become very creative and make their own masks. A box of 50 masks soon cost 50 euros. Today one can buy a box of 50 masks for around 15 euros.

I went out to see how the rules are being complied.

In busy places in the open air, local authorities may require the wearing of a mouth mask. Such as at markets, full shopping streets or popular strolling places.

The corona rules certainly apply to the French catering industry. For example, there must be extra distance between tables (1 meter). A maximum of 10 guests from one party may be seated together at the same table. Staff are obliged to wear masks and this also applies to guests when they move inside. It looks like it is not always easy to wear the mask correctly.

Also in busy places in the open air, local authorities may require the wearing of a mouth mask. Such as at markets, full shopping streets or popular strolling places. Posters hang in places where it is mandatory to wear mouth masks. Personally, I find it surprising that the texts can only be read in French, especially in these summer months many tourists come to France and not many tourists speak French. It would be useful if the texts could also be read in English.

On the shop windows and at the toilet facilities, considerable attention is paid to preventive measures such as wearing mouth masks and washing hands.

The fact that the masks are not always comfortable and your ears will deform considerably does not stop most people from wearing them anyway

There has been a resurgence of the virus in the country in recent weeks.

Trade unions are therefore putting a lot of pressure on the government to introduce additional measures in the coming weeks, before people return to the office after their summer vacation.

Mouth masks are now mandatory in most workplaces in France. Only in places where only one person is present, that person does not have to wear a mouth mask. The French Ministry of Employment reports this on Tuesday.

The ministry is taking the measure to prevent the spread of the corona virus in offices and factories. The ministry emphasizes that it is still better to work from home, and that working in the office with a mouth mask should be seen as an alternative to this.