France drops mask mandate on public transport from Monday

As Covid-19 cases drop, travel restrictions are eased across many countries. That now also includes France where it will no longer be compulsory to wear a mask on public transport from Monday.

It is one of France’s last measures against Covid-19, but Minister of Health Olivier Véran confirmed that it would be removed.

“From Monday, May 16, wearing a mask will no longer be compulsory in all public transport,” said Véran at a Council of Ministers meeting. The mask requirement is concerning the metro, bus, train, plane and taxis.

“Wearing a mask is still recommended but is no longer compulsory”, Véran added, explaining that the restriction is “no longer suitable” as Covid-19 is decreasing throughout France.

France had tough restrictions in 2020. People were only allowed to go out for essentials or exercise to curb the rate of infections. Belgium copied France’s implementation of a curfew, and as a bordering country, often had similar measures in place.

Belgium, however, still requires travellers to wear a mask on public transport, but if it is to follow France again, this restriction may change here too.

Infections and hospitalisations have fallen in 2022, with some scientists saying that we are in an endemic phase rather than a pandemic. That doesn’t mean that Covid-19 has disappeared, but rather than infections remain will remain static and something that can be managed.