France lifts COVID-19 rules on unvaccinated, mask wearing

Paris, March 14 (BNA) France lifted most coronavirus restrictions on Monday, eliminating the need to wear face masks in most places and allowing people who had not been vaccinated to return to restaurants, sports arenas and other venues.

The French government announced the move earlier this month, based on assessments of the improving situation in hospitals and after weeks of a steady decline in infections. This comes less than a month before the first round of the presidential elections scheduled for April 10.

But in recent days, the number of new infections has begun to increase again, prompting fears by some scientists that it may be too early to lift restrictions.

The number of new infections reached more than 60,000 on a seven-day average, up from about 50,000 the previous week, according to the Associated Press.

As of Monday, people are no longer required to show proof of vaccination to enter places such as restaurants, cinemas, theaters and galleries and to use inter-area transportation. The so-called vaccine card went into effect at the end of January.

In hospitals and nursing homes, unvaccinated people must provide a recent negative test or evidence of recent recovery for admission.

Masks are no longer required in schools, businesses and offices. It remains mandatory on public transport and in hospitals and other health facilities.

More than 92% of people 12 years of age or older are fully vaccinated in France, which has a population of 67 million.

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