The fines are 135 euros and, in case of a repeat offence within 15 days, 1500 euros.

Wearing a mask is more and more compulsory in France, and those who reject it are liable to a fine of 135 euros, or even 1500 euros in the event of a repeat offence within a fortnight.

The Prime Minister, Jean Castex, gave a press conference on Thursday, August 27th on the health situation, and since August 17th, 700 fines per day have been issued to those who refused to wear the mask.

In public establishments, the authorities have carried out 30,000 checks since August 17th, resulting in 1,900 police operations and 53 closures, the Head of Government added.

He also announced that 21 departments – including Paris and the Bouches-du-Rhône (southeastern France) – were considered “red” where the virus is actively circulating. In these areas, he believes that the widespread use of the mask may be important in “large urban areas”, as already applied in Marseille.

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“Protection involves wearing a mask”

“I have asked the Police Prefect of Paris to discuss the matter with the Mayor of Paris and the Mayors of the inner suburbs,” says the Prime Minister, who is encouraging its implementation in all the streets of the capital.

“It will no longer be possible to waive the ban on gatherings of 5,000 people,” in these areas, Jean Castex also said.

“Protection today means wearing a mask,” he stressed. Castex reminded that “the rule is simple: the wearing of masks is compulsory in all closed spaces where several people are present, including in companies,” referring this time to the entire country.