The French government will make face masks compulsory in all shared workspaces from 1st September in a bid to stem a resurgence of the coronavirus.
The labour ministry said on Tuesday that the new measure will be in place across the country after discussions with unions and business representatives, adding that working from home remains the recommended practice.
“The government says it is necessary to wear a mask when not alone in the work place,” said Yves Veyrier, leader of the Force Ouvrière union. According to Labour Minister Elisabeth Borne, it is the responsibility of companies to pay for the masks.
The new measures were announced on Tuesday
France’s High Council for Public Health recommended the measure last weekend as the country’s daily infection count jumped past 3,000 for the first time since May.
From September, face coverings will be required in collective spaces and during meetings, but people will be allowed to remove them in private offices.