Today, the Paris police headquarters published a statement concerning the wearing of masks in the capital. It is only compulsory outdoors when the population density does not allow proper respect for barrier gestures ».
Back to the parade of decisions
On January 11, seized in summary proceedings by an individual, the Council of State ruled that “ Wearing a mask can only be imposed outdoors under certain conditions. […] The obligation should be limited to places and times of high population traffic when physical distancing is not possible, and only if the local epidemiological situation justifies it. ».
The next day, seized urgently, the judge in chambers of the administrative court of Versailles follows, and suspends the decree of the prefect of Yvelines which imposed the wearing of the mask outdoors since December 31, 2021.
The day after, January 13, the Administrative Court of Paris does the same, considering that the obligation does not meet the requirements of strict proportion to the health risks incurred prescribed in IV of article 1 of the law of May 31, 2021 ».
On January 14, it was Gabriel Attal, government spokesperson, who banged his fist on the table, assuring, despite court decisions, that a new decree was soon to be issued by the Ministry of the Interior to “ define more precisely the conditions under which the mask must be worn outdoors ».
The end of relentlessness?
One would think that they do as they please. Alexis Poulin called it relentless on Twitter:
Attal announces a new stop to impose the mask again outside.
So you’re never going to let us go?
It is relentlessness. https://t.co/3xQ9IseZGh
— Alexis Poulin (@Poulin2012) January 14, 2022
Finally, today, the Prefect of Police gives us a judgment in which we find the finesse of which Gabriel Attal spoke.
Wearing a mask is therefore no longer compulsory outdoors, except in certain very specific cases:
- Markets, flea markets, garage sales, unpacking sales;
- In all gatherings, demonstrations, meetings or activities bringing together 10 or more people, organized on the public highway, whatever their purpose;
- In public transport waiting areas, in particular bus and tram stops and their immediate vicinity;
- Around train stations and shopping center entrances, during their opening hours;
- Around schools or universities, when the public enters and leaves;
- Around places of worship, when the public enters and leaves during offices and ceremonies;
- In the queues that form in the public space.
In short, it is better to keep it on hand, just in case.