In mid-March the passes were suspended, which means you won't need one to enter an indoor facility unless you're visiting a nursing home facility. 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. France has lifted most of the country's COVID-19 restrictions on Monday despite a steady rise in infections. Beautiful country here to be enjoyed, masks are a small inconvenience, but we are living through unusual times, everywhere. How many extracurriculars are too many when applying for college? Screengrab, Geoportail.gouv.fr/National institute of geographical and forestry information (IGN), growing concerns expressed over Covid-19 transmission in schools, gathered, mostly unmasked, at an illegal carnival-style street party. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey. 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. Instant Download Send me the free checklist Virus cases are rising fast in France and other European countries after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in the spring. With his wife recovering from surgery and two children at home, he does not want to risk contracting the coronavirus a third time. The government lifted most virus rules by April, andforeign tourists have returnedby land, sea and air to French Mediterranean beaches, restaurants and bars. A tour guide and electric bicycle taxi driver in Nice described her joy at seeing foreign visitors again. France is updating its rules for travel again, making it easier for vaccinated passengers to visit. Its been delightful from start to finish, said Ros Runcie, who was in Nice with her husband, Gordon. 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.. More than 92,000 people have died from Covid-19 in the country since the start of the pandemic. Hassani Mohammed, a postal worker in Paris, didnt wait for the government to decide. The latest face mask rules for Scots eager to book a half term or summer holiday to places like Portugal, Croatia, France and other popular destinations. 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. Asked about the possible return of French mask rules . The most comprehensive solution to manage all your complex and ever-expanding tax and compliance needs. 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. ", Asked about the possible return of French mask rules, Phil Baker said, "Masks are a bit uncomfortable, especially in the heat. French officials have "invited" or "recommended" people to go back to using face masks but stopped short of renewing . 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. 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. Hassani Mohammed, a postal worker in Paris, didn't wait for the government to decide. The Mediterranean port city, 200km west of Nice, is not subject to the fresh lockdown restrictions. News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports, Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for France on the TravelHealthPro website. However, they will still be compulsory on public transport, in hospitals and for visitors in care homes. 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. Everyone is so pleased to see you, everyone is really polite and nice to visitors., Sue Baker, who was traveling with her husband, Phil, and the Runcies, observed: It feels very much like pre-2020., Asked about the possible return of French mask rules, Phil Baker said, Masks are a bit uncomfortable, especially in the heat., But his wife added, If it means we can still go on a holiday, well put them back on without hesitation.. For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance. 14 March 2022 F rance has lifted most of its Covid restrictions including vaccine passes and mandatory mask-wearing from Monday. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. The government lifted most virus rules by April, and foreign tourists have returned by land, sea and air to French Mediterranean beaches, restaurants and bars. 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. A majority of French people surveyed say newmeasures should have been decided earlier and that at this point they are unlikely to be sufficient. They'refumblingaround in the dark searching for the light switch. During Frances repeated lockdowns, she transported essential workers, and took people to hospitals, to care for elderly relatives or for PCR tests. marriage certificate) when travelling. During Frances repeated lockdowns, she transported essential workers, and took people to hospitals, to care for elderly relatives or for PCR tests. Enter your password to log in. 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. Early in the pandemic, the French government suggested masks werent helpful. NICE, France (AP) Tourism is booming again in France and so is COVID-19. >> In pictures: A look back, one year after France went into lockdown. Some local health authorities may still require masks, for example, Paris Hospitals (AP-HP), where masks remain mandatory for those aged 6 and above. More than 30,000 new daily infections were registered within the previous 24 hours on both Friday and Saturday in France, and the more contagious and more lethal British variant represents the majority of new infections. If you're traveling to France you'll need to wear a mask in airports and transport stations. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. The restrictions imposed as of midnight from Friday to Saturday on 16 administrative departmentsfor four weeks include limiting travel outside one's home department without a "compelling" or professional reason. (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. 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. rance has lifted most of its Covid restrictions including vaccine passes and mandatory mask-wearing from Monday. Cases of a rare brain infection have spiked in Southern Nevada, prompting a CDC investigation. Generally speaking, yes. In the meantime, French hospitals are struggling with long-running staff and funding shortages. NICE, France (AP) Tourism is booming again in France and so is COVID-19. any country signed up to the EU digital COVID cert program, First-time France: where to go and what to do, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Masks have been contentious in France. Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta; Editing by Alison Williams. Previously, this rule only. Get involved in exciting, inspiring conversations with other readers. 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.. Early in the pandemic, the French government suggested masks weren't helpful. "When you look at the numbers, they're unsustainable, and it is going to become even harder as the virus continues to circulate," Anaelle Aeschliman, a nurse at the Ambroise Par clinic in Neuilly-sur-Seine, west of Paris, told AP. 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. 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. 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. In the meantime, French hospitals are struggling with long-running staff and funding shortages. With hospitalizations up, France weighs return to masks Current mask rules for popular holiday spots like Spain, Greece and France "It doesn't change anything for me.". You can opt-out at any time by signing in to your account to manage your preferences. All telephone numbers are available 24/7. marital / birth name), please also carry any supporting documentation (e.g. 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. Its been delightful from start to finish, said Ros Runcie, who was in Nice with her husband, Gordon. 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. 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. Mask mandates have been lifted in most venues including shops, restaurants, gyms, museums and workplaces, but there are some exceptions. If you're unvaccinated, you'll need to take a negative test prior to departure. For a sense of scaleit bears noting that, from the centre of Paris, a 10km radius stretches far beyond the city limits in every direction. Coming to France? Your Covid-19 questions answered 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Group Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Nearly a third of France's population on Saturday entered what Prime Minister Jean Castex billed as a "lockdown" the country's third since the start of the Covid-19 pandemicamid a sharp spike in new infections, many with new variants. 2023 Copyright France 24 - All rights reserved. Covid-19: Masking requirements to be lifted on French transport 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 ultimately introduced some of Europes toughest restrictions, including an indoors and outside mask mandate that lasted more than a year, along with strict lockdowns. dailyrecord Load mobile navigation. "Everyone is so pleased to see you, everyone is really polite and nice to visitors. 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. Early in the pandemic, the French government suggested masks weren't helpful. People on the Seine river bank, in Paris, France, on Saturday, March 20, 2021.People on the Seine river bank, in Paris, France, on Saturday, March 20, 2021. You should not go directly to the doctor or emergency services. As Sir Keir speaks at conference, who is his wife, Lady Victoria? Once scanned, TousAntiCovid will save your certification in the wallets section of the app, allowing you to present it at the border when you travel. Local officials are contemplating new measures, including an indoor mask mandate in some cities, but nothing that would curb economic activity. If you're coming from an 'orange' or mid-risk country, you'll be asked to show proof of vaccination. We did it for the chocolatiers because it's Easter," Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire told RTL radio on Sunday. The scheme was made stricter in January to become a vaccine pass, meaning showing a negative recent test was no longer enough to access hospitality venues, cinemas, libraries and long-distance trains. 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. With tourists thronging Paris and other cities, the French government is recommending a return to mask-wearing in public transport and crowded areas but has stopped short of imposing new rules. Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. 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. France asks citizens to wear masks again in public transport 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. For further information visit the French governments website on the pass sanitaire. There are options, 'Stranger than fiction': Tick bite may cause allergy, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Traveling to France during Covid-19: What you need to know before you Four days after France suspended its useamid blood clot concerns across Europe, the country's health authority re-approved use of the vaccinebut recommended it only for those age55 and above. . Face masks are no longer mandatory in health establishments, but remain strongly recommended. In the meantime, French hospitals are struggling with long-running staff and funding shortages. France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and headlines. "We have to learn tolivewith [the virus];I've been saying thisfor a year. No provisions were announced to shutter school cafeterias, despite Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer's recent and rare concession that mask-less lunches at school arethe "weak link in a pupil's day". 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. The government lifted most virus rules by April, and foreign tourists have returned by land, sea and air to French Mediterranean beaches, restaurants and bars. Walking in a park, riding a bike We need those [activities] so we don't crack. pic.twitter.com/hOW6KQK6Cr. France has one of the highest vaccination rates in Europe, at more than 90 per cent for those who are eligible for a vaccine. The government is under increasing pressure to make masks mandatory on a national level. The Saturday cut-off for travel beyond the locked-down departments saw a 20 percent rise in expected train reservations on Friday as some endeavoured to escape while they could. "I'm not saying it should be mandatory but I do ask the French people to put the mask on in public transport," she told RTL, adding it was a "civic duty" to do so. 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 Take a walk along Nice's famous Promenade des Anglais without a face mask and you'll get shouted at. A sense of scale. He masks up before his daily commute. But other ministerswere quick to suggest the new measures were simply a tightening of restrictions. We are confident that people will behave responsibly.. 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. Fully vaccinated travelers arriving in France from Britain can once again fly down its world-class ski slopes. Mask-wearing requirements are also set to be lifted in. Health professionals are also scepticalthat the new restrictions will workas Covid-19 numbers continue to rise. 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. You can find testing locations near you through the COVID testing map. If your vaccine certificate shows a different name to your passport (e.g. With tourists thronging Paris and other cities, the French government is recommending a return to mask-wearing in public transport and crowded areas but has stopped short of imposing new rules. The minimum cost of supervised COVID-19 tests in France is 44 for PCR tests and 22 for rapid antigen tests. With hospitalizations up, France weighs return to masks - CTVNews The French people are sick of restrictions, she said Wednesday on channel BFMTV. I realized that the pandemic does not belong to the past, Mohammed said. Reuters provides business, financial, national and international news to professionals via desktop terminals, the world's media organizations, industry events and directly to consumers. Previously visitors from the UK had to present a "compelling reason justifying the need for them to come to mainland France" which effectively banned them from visiting. >> 'A French exception': Experts call for rethink of open-schools policy amid pandemic. Some places in Europe require an EU Digital Covid Certificate to enter. UPDATE: The parts of France that have enforced extra local Covid Virus cases are rising fast in France and other European countries after . Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. 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. Frances 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 governments earliervaccineand mask rules gained seats. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. Australia said on Tuesday it will pay military personnel A$50,000 ($33,165) to stay beyond an initial service period, days after a review found its defence posture was "not fit for purpose" amid rising competition between the United States and China. "I realized that the pandemic does not belong to the past," Mohammed said. Covid cases in France are on the rise, with 70,000 new cases per day over a seven-day average. Hassani Mohammed, a postal worker in Paris, didnt wait for the government to decide. "I don't know what we should call themeasures being taken. A woman wearing a face mask to protect against COVID-19 rushes on a subway platform in Paris, Thursday, June 30, 2022. If you're traveling from the UK, youcan present a digital or paper NHS certificate showing their full vaccine status to avoid testing. 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. You should check local mask rules before you travel. 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. I do credit God for everything that he has done for me, Barnes told On Balance host Leland Vittert. 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. (AP Photo/Michel Euler). 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. You have accepted additional cookies. Le Deley reported from Boussy-Saint-Antoine, France. Should you cancel your trip? Here's how to travel to France right now - The Points Guy 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. Make the most of your time in France with Lonely Planets range of travel guides and phrasebooks. The Certificate proves that you have been vaccinated, received a negative test result, or recovered from COVID-19. "As you can see, everyone is eating, taking off their masks," student Rachel Chea, 20, told Reuters on Saturday along the busy banks of the Seine. 5% off all bookings with this Travelodge discount code, Save 200 on 2023 holidays with this TUI discount code, Save 5% on hotel bookings with this Barcelo promo code, 15 gift card with selected annual memberships - National Trust discount code, 20% off regular test rates with this Hotels.com discount code, Swearing allegiance to King will be individual choice, says minister, Australia bans recreational vaping in major public health move, Ukraine army drive out Russian troops from Bakhmut positions - general, FTSE 100 Live: HSBC profits soar to $12.9 billion; BP results, Minister to provide update on Sue Gray switch to Labour, Lil Nas X swapped clothes for body makeup at the Met Gala, Shorter intros, more minor songs, fewer key changes: How Eurovision has evolved, SNP calls on Westminster to match Scottish Child Payment UK-wide, King to be layered in golden garments for moment of crowning, Great change is possible even in a big organisation like the Met, Woman stabbed to death in street in Brixton, Princess Charlotte pictured smiling ahead of eighth birthday. France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and headlines. With hospitalizations up, France weighs return to masks - Medical Xpress Face masks will no longer be required on trains, planes and metros in France starting on May 16, the health minister said Wednesday. 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. From Paris commuters to tourists on the French Riviera, many people seem to welcome the government's light touch, while some worry that required prevention measures may be needed. Do children need a booster for travel in Europe this summer? 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. Over the weekendVran continued to walkbackthe term. 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. France further eases COVID restrictions on masks and health passes 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. 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. Face masks will no longer be mandatory in classrooms for. 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. "In the event of a brawl or large grouping . "I admit I was a bit disappointed that we aren't being locked down nationwide," she said. Police in Nice use camera technology to shout at people who - POLITICO 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 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 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. 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. mask situation - Nice Forum - Tripadvisor AFP via Getty Images. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Infections are also rising across Europe and the United States, but France has an exceptionally high proportion of people in the hospital, according toOur World in Data estimates. 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. 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. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. ", But his wife added, "If it means we can still go on a holiday, we'll put them back on without hesitation. Obviously some people will always ignore the rules, but here's what the current regulations say. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. A retired couple from the U.K. visited France this week on their first trip abroad since pandemic travel restrictions were lifted. Audience ratings certified by ACPM/OJD. Citizens no longer need to wear face masks in most indoor areas, while unvaccinated. Read our Privacy Policy. People will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination to enter a restaurant, go to the gym or board a train. We are confident that people will behave responsibly.. Masks have been contentious in France. View Health for further details on healthcare in France. Local officials are contemplating new measures, including an indoor mask mandate in some cities, but nothing that would curb economic activity. Marseille saw a mass rebellion against Covid-19 restrictions on Sunday as more than 6,000 people gathered, mostly unmasked, at an illegal carnival-style street party. These single use, blue/ white or green / white. With his wife recovering from surgery and two children at home, he does not want to risk contracting the coronavirus a third time. She said she still diligently disinfects the bike before each ride, like its 2020.. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. The Mediterranean port city,. If you need urgent consular assistance, contact your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate. Face Masks Now Compulsory Outdoors In These French Towns - Forbes You'll also need one to board public transport and taxis, including Uber. The French people are sick of restrictions, she said Wednesday on channel BFMTV. Unvaccinated passengers from orange countries must present an essential reason for traveling.