Mayors call for face masks to be mandatory in all public spaces

Mayors call for face masks to be mandatory in all public spaces - Mayors from major cities across France, including Paris, have called for face masks to be mandatory in all public spaces. Current guidelines specify that a face covering must be worn when social distancing cannot be guaranteed. But some officials want stricter rules. 

In Nice the mayor Christian Estrosi overstepped the state's authority, issuing a decree on 7th May making face masks compulsory in all public spaces from 8:00am to 20:00pm on "health grounds." A few days later he was forced to repeal the text after being taken to court.

Estrosi has nonetheless published a new decree making face masks compulsory and has said on Twitter that he will "do everything in his power to protect the people of Nice."

Health Minister Olivier Véran said last month "there were no plans to make face masks compulsory in all public spaces."

Currently, face masks are mandatory on public transport and in secondary schools. Stores also have the right to ask shoppers to wear masks and remain a metre (3ft) apart.

 

Last local news

Evening Update Friday 7 November 2025

The man who allegedly drove his car into pedestrians on the Ile d’Oleron has said that he regrets his actions, according to the local prosecutor.... Evening Update Friday 7 November 2025 Read More

07/11/2025

French and Riviera News Friday 7th November 2025

Time is running out for the marine animals at Marineland in Antibes. On Thursday, 6 November 2025, France’s Minister for Ecological Transition, Mathie... French and Riviera News Friday 7th November 2025 Read More

07/11/2025

Evening Update Wednesday 6 November 2025

A highly critical report into the operation of border facilities for migrants in Menton has been released today. Inspectors carried out an unannounced... Evening Update Wednesday 6 November 2025 Read More

06/11/2025

French and Riviera News Thursday 6th November 2025

A 35-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday after deliberately driving into pedestrians and cyclists on the island of Oléron, off France’s western coa... French and Riviera News Thursday 6th November 2025 Read More

06/11/2025

Evening Update Wednesday 5 November 2025

Five people have been injured, two of them seriously, after a man deliberately drove into pedestrians this morning in the Charente-Maritime department... Evening Update Wednesday 5 November 2025 Read More

05/11/2025