Since this Friday morning at 8 a.m., wearing a mask has been compulsory in the streets of Paris and the Petite Couronne. However, exemptions have been made for joggers, cyclists, smokers and even eaters.
- Wearing a mask in the streets of Paris and the Petite Couronne is not compulsory for cyclists, joggers, smokers, time to eat a sandwich and for children under 11 years old.
- A fine of 135 euros is in force if this rule is not respected.
From 8 a.m. this morning, the mask invaded the streets of Paris and the departments of Seine-Saint-Denis, Hauts-de-Seine and Val-de-Marne. In addition to enclosed spaces, transport and certain streets, there are all public places in the capital and non-compliance will be fined €135. Initially, a pedagogical principle will be adopted by the police to enforce this measure. However, very quickly after the announcement of the entry into force of this measure yesterday by Prime Minister Jean Castex, voices were raised to obtain derogations depending on the situation.
#COVID19 | ???? From Friday August 28 at 8 a.m., generalization of the obligation to wear a mask to all public spaces in Paris and the inner suburbs by the prefect of Police and the prefects of Seine-Saint-Denis, Hauts -de-Seine and Val-de-Marne. pic.twitter.com/wD2RluciBY
— Prefecture of Police (@prefpolice) August 27, 2020
The right to smoke and eat a sandwich
The first derogations from the mask concern joggers and cyclists who are exempt from this obligation, assured the police headquarters in a statement and thus followed the request of the town hall. In other large cities in France, such as Lyon, Nice or Lille where the wearing of a mask is also imposed in the streets, cyclists and joggers are not exempt from protecting themselves. Regarding cars, the decree simply specifies an exception for people “circulating inside private and professional vehicles”. Children under 11 are also not required to wear the mask.
#MandatoryMask Fit and Accuracy @prefpolice:
“Wearing a mask will not be required of people carrying out physical activity such as running or cycling.” And “children under 11 are not required to wear a mask”. https://t.co/AGBxDAQhH8 https://t.co/o4oO0772TN
— Paris (@Paris) August 28, 2020
The other exception is for smokers. It was once said that smoking would be banned in the streets of Paris. The Deputy in charge of Health at the Paris City Hall, Anne Souyris confirmed this information this morning on CNewsstating that it could allow “people smoking less”. Finally, there too a derogation intervened and it is always possible to smoke in the street and therefore to lower your mask while smoking. The same principle is applied to people who will eat in the street, confirmed Emmanuel Grégoire, first assistant to Anne Hidalgo.
This is good news, beyond the exemption from wearing a mask for cyclists and runners, the @prefpolice confirmed that smoking and eating would be permitted in public areas at #Paris.@Anne_Hidalgo @annesouyris @David_Belliard https://t.co/DOxL32Y605
— Emmanuel GREGOIRE (@egregoire) August 28, 2020
