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Mask Mandates Return to Some ⁤French Hospitals as COVID-19 Cases Rise

PARIS – As France experiences a new wave of COVID-19,⁢ several hospitals ⁢are reinstating mask mandates, and health officials are strongly recommending‍ mask-wearing‍ in a variety of public settings. The AP-HP, wich encompasses six hospital groups in Paris, now ‍requires masks for all individuals – staff, patients, and visitors – entering areas where patients are present.

This move comes amid increasing concerns about rising infection rates and the potential for vulnerable populations to experience ⁢severe illness. While a nationwide mandate is not currently ⁤in place, health authorities are urging caution and preventative measures, echoing guidance ‌from earlier stages of the pandemic. The resurgence prompts a review of best practices for minimizing transmission, including proper ⁢mask ⁢usage.

Who is advised to wear‌ a mask?

Beyond hospitals where mandates are being ⁢implemented, health officials reccommend mask-wearing in the following situations:

* Individuals experiencing symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, or headache, even with‌ a negative⁢ test result. Mask use is also advised following⁣ a positive COVID-19⁣ test.
* When in contact with vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, or those with ⁣chronic illnesses.
* In crowded indoor spaces like public​ transportation (metro, bus,⁤ train, plane), stores, cinemas, and performance halls.
* During large gatherings, notably outdoors, for vulnerable individuals.

Proper Mask Usage is Key

The French Ministry of the⁣ Economy reminds the public to wash hands with soap and water or​ a hydro-alcoholic solution before putting on a mask. ⁤A government statement emphasizes the importance of ensuring a secure fit: “Apply the mask to cover the nose and mouth and ⁢make sure to adjust‌ it as best as​ possible on your face and check the ‌absence of a jet of air⁢ in the eyes ⁤during a strong exhalation.”

For ‌FFP-2 or FFP-3 masks, a fit⁢ check is recommended:

1. Cover the filtering surface⁢ of the mask with a plastic sheet held⁤ in place with both hands.
2. Inhale; the mask should press lightly against​ the face. If it doesn’t, readjust it.

Once the mask is on, avoid touching it.Masks are single-use and should be replaced ⁤if they become⁤ damp. Removal should be done from behind to avoid contact with the front of the⁣ mask,‍ as advised by the Ministry of the Economy.

Covid-19 Cases Tick Up in France, Health Authorities Urge Vigilance Ahead of Fall Vaccination Campaign

Paris, ​France – October⁣ 8, 2025 ⁣ – French health authorities are calling ‍for vigilance as Covid-19 cases show a slight increase, though remain at moderate levels comparable to last year. Public health France reported 2,054 visits to⁢ emergency rooms for suspected Covid-19 last week,‌ representing 0.6%⁤ of all visits – up from 0.5% the previous week. Hospitalizations also ⁣rose to 790, or 1.1% of all hospitalizations, compared to 0.9% the week prior.

despite the uptick, officials emphasize the situation is not worsening and does not warrant an‍ immediate acceleration of the vaccination campaign, currently scheduled to launch⁣ on Tuesday, October 14.The campaign will be combined with annual flu vaccinations and will initially target 19 million ​French individuals at risk of complications, especially those⁤ over 65.

The health ⁣authorities,⁣ including the General Directorate of Health, ⁤confirmed ⁢there is no “epidemiological” argument to move the vaccination date forward. Both vaccines can be administered simultaneously, and there is no required waiting⁣ period between doses. Annual Covid-19 vaccination is recommended for individuals aged 65 and over, though any French resident can opt to receive a ⁤dose.

Only one vaccine,Comirnaty JN.1 from ⁢Pfizer/BioNTech, ⁢will be offered this fall. ‍The vaccination will be fully covered by Health Insurance and administered by doctors, ‌nurses, pharmacists, midwives, and qualified medical/pharmacy students. Health authorities‌ continue to monitor the situation,noting an ⁣increase in virus detection in wastewater while maintaining that the ​overall picture remains moderate.

Meuse Department Sees Sharpest Rise in COVID-19 Cases in France

bar-le-Duc, France – The Meuse department ⁤in‍ France’s Grand Est ​region​ is currently experiencing ⁣the most significant surge in COVID-19 cases⁣ nationwide, according to⁣ the latest data released by Public health France on September 29, 2025. This increase comes ​as France faces a new wave of the virus, driven by​ the XFG variant.

while overall case numbers remain lower than previous peaks, the Meuse is demonstrating‌ a disproportionate impact, registering a rate ⁤of‍ 1968.02 emergency visits for COVID-19 per 100,000 visits. This marks ​a substantial increase from initial ⁤levels and signals a renewed public health concern, particularly for vulnerable populations. The neighboring Haute-Marne department is also heavily affected, with a rate of 1599.02 per 100,000.

Public health ⁢officials are closely monitoring the situation in the Grand est,as the rise in cases⁤ precedes the launch of the autumn-winter COVID-19 vaccination campaign scheduled to run from October 14,2025,to January 31,2026. Vaccination⁣ is recommended for individuals at highest risk,including those over 65,peopel with underlying health conditions,immunocompromised individuals,residents‍ of long-term care facilities (EHPAD),and pregnant women.