The French government has announced that given the evolving epidemiological situation, from May 16, wearing the mask will no longer be mandatory on the subway, bus, or train.
The announcement was also confirmed by the Minister of Social Affairs and Health Oliver Veran through a Twitter post on May 11
“The health situation, which is constantly improving, allows us to lift the obligation to wear a mask in all transport, from Monday. However, it remains recommended, especially for fragile people,” he pointed out in this regard.
In addition, in a statement issued on May 12, the government stressed that wearing the mask would remain mandatory for caregivers, patients, and visitors to health and care facilities, including hospitals, pharmacies, and medical biology laboratories.
According to the government, covering the mouth and nose with a mask is still recommended indoors and in large gatherings for fragile persons, especially the elderly and those suffering from other diseases.
On April 28, authorities in Ireland also decided that they would not force passengers to wear face masks while travelling by international airlines if their countries of origin had waived such a requirement.
In addition, some airlines in European countries have decided to remove some of the preventive measures imposed due to the virus, including the mandatory requirement for a face mask.
Some of the European airlines which have updated the COVID-19 mask rules for travel are as follows:
- easyJet
- Jet2
- Norwegian
- British Airways
Moreover, visitors who plan to travel to the majority of European countries by plane will no longer be required to wear masks at airports, and during flights to Europe, a requirement announced to be lifted on May 16.
Such a decision was confirmed through a statement published by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
The Director of EASA has considered the latest decision a major step forward in normalising air travel for passengers and aircrew.
