France: Wearing masks outside no longer compulsory from Thursday

France: Wearing masks outside no longer compulsory from Thursday

Associated PressUpdated: Wednesday, June 16, 2021, 05:43 PM IST
article-image
In this file photo taken on August 15, 2020 Tourists wearing protective face masks walk past the Louvre Pyramid (Pyramide du Louvre) designed by Ieoh Ming Pei, at the Cour Napoleon, in Paris. - French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced on June 16, 2021 that masks will be no longer compulsory outside in France from June 17, 2021. | (Photo by AFP)

PARIS: France is lifting mandatory mask-wearing outdoors and will halt an eight-month nightly coronavirus curfew on June 20.

The announcement Wednesday by French Prime Minister Jean Castex comes as France is now registering about 3,900 new daily virus cases on average, down from 35,000 in the March-April peak.

Castex welcomed “very good news” and said the curfew will be lifted on Sunday, ten days earlier than expected.

Over 58% of France’s adult population has received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. On Tuesday, the European Union nation opened its vaccination programs to 12 to 18-year-olds as part of a push to protect the nation as restrictions are gradually being lifted.

RECENT STORIES

Avani Dias Visa Row: Controversy Surrounding Australian Journalist Explained

Avani Dias Visa Row: Controversy Surrounding Australian Journalist Explained

US: 42-Yr-Old Indian-Origin Man, Wanted For Assault, Shot Dead By Cops In San Antonio

US: 42-Yr-Old Indian-Origin Man, Wanted For Assault, Shot Dead By Cops In San Antonio

In Pictures: CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif Dons In Uniform, Reviewing Police Passing Out Parade

In Pictures: CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif Dons In Uniform, Reviewing Police Passing Out Parade

India Should Use Its Influence With Israel To Bring Peace In Gaza: Iran’s Consul General

India Should Use Its Influence With Israel To Bring Peace In Gaza: Iran’s Consul General

PM Modi Speaks To Giorgia Meloni On Phone, Extends Greetings On Italy's Liberation Day

PM Modi Speaks To Giorgia Meloni On Phone, Extends Greetings On Italy's Liberation Day