The mask becomes compulsory again in these busy places in France

Like an air of déjà vu… Wearing a mask, which has been our daily life throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, could become compulsory again in France. At least for the moment, it has been reinstated in certain places, such as the AP-HP hospitals, in other words the hospitals of Ile-de-France, we can read in an official press release from the AP-HP dated November 8, 2024.

Since November and “with regard to the passage of the Île-de-France region into the bronchiolitis epidemic phase and the active circulation of SARS-CoV-2 (virus causing the Covid-19 pandemic, editor’s note)a surgical mask must be worn by all people (professionals, patients and visitors) upon entering spaces in which patients circulate“, indicates the AP-HP. Concretely today, all people over 6 years old must wear a “surgical” type mask, the famous “blue” (or sometimes black or pink) single-use mask, particularly effective in limiting the spread of viruses and germs and protecting yourself from winter ills.

Are concerned by this obligation: professionals regardless of the sector (conventional hospitalization, consultation, day hospital), hospitalized patients, when they leave their room, or treated in outpatient settings, in waiting rooms and when They move around the hospital (waiting rooms, corridors, cafeteria, etc.), those involved in contact with patients (including paramedics, volunteers), visitors from 6 years old and their companions. These instructions may evolve and will be regularly updated to take into account the evolution of winter epidemics.

Bronchiolitis is starting to wreak havoc in Paris and Ile-de-France: the region is in an epidemic phase, according to Public Health France, with an increase in consultations and visits to emergency departments. Children under 2 years old are most affected. Covid is stable in Ile-de-France, with limited viral circulation and a rate of emergency visits for Covid-19 below 0.25% in the region.