Paris makes face masks mandatory in all public places

French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced Thursday that face masks will be mandatory in all public places in Paris, which has been hit hard by a resurgence of the coronavirus.

Wearing face masks is already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed spaces and in certain busy areas of the city.

Official figures released Wednesday showed more than 5,400 confirmed new cases in just 24 hours, with admissions to hospital and intensive care units on the rise.

There was an "undeniable resurgence" of the COVID-19 epidemic throughout France, Castex told a press conference, with an incidence rate of 39 positive tests per 100,000 of the population – four times the level of a month ago, and rising among all age groups.

Castex did not give a date on when the expanded order will become effective. 

(With input from AFP)