Wearing a mask. where are we outside?

Winter has come and with it the threat of the ninth epidemic wave. Grappling with the progression of Covid-19 cases, coupled with the bronchiolitis and flu epidemics, Prime Minister Elisabeth Bourne on Tuesday urged the French to wear masks again in the presence of fragile people, but also on public transport. A far from trivial request, as the year-end celebrations are approaching, and with them, the holidays. If France is taking a bit of a step back, some countries have never really given up the mask. This is especially true in Japan, a popular destination for many travelers, where a significant portion of the population continues to wear it outdoors and in transportation. “Prime Minister Fumio Kishida gave a speech in early October explaining that the mask was no longer necessary outdoors. Only this instruction was not observed. almost nine out of ten people on the street still wear it !”, he assured her Figaro Thierry Meincent, president of Japan Experience, a travel agency specializing in Japanese vacations. In addition, wearing a mask is recommended indoors if sufficient physical distance cannot be maintained. So many places like museums, restaurants and shops still require it.

A recommendation more than a commitment

What about other countries? In East Asia, the mask, which is seen as a prevention of winter diseases and particularly Covid-19, remains in place. In South Korea, it is always mandatory inside, as the French Embassy in Seoul reminds. He has not been outside since September 26. Wearing face protection is no longer a taboo in the Philippines. However, it is recommended in public transport, be it air, sea or land.

On the other side of the globe, the same principle. In Australia, as in New Zealand, it is recommended, especially in closed public places. The same goes for Canada. As for the United States, no restrictions at the federal level, even if the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in other words, the American health agency, reminds that the port of the mask can be required by local authorities. Therefore, it is advisable to find out about the various recommendations of the states before leaving. When landing in Mauritius, you will not be able to get off the plane if you are not wearing a mask.

There is no general rule in Europe

What about Europe? There is no uniformity in the rules. Each country or territory has its own recommendation. Many have lifted their restrictions, such as Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Slovenia and the United Kingdom. Others made commitments primarily to healthcare facilities and/or public transportation. In Germany, as in Spain, wearing a mask is mandatory, for example, when traveling by bus or subway. In Vienna, Austria, it is recommended to wear an FFP2 mask on public transport and in pharmacies.

Another example is Portugal. The latter asks to wear face protection only in health facilities and nursing homes. It is recommended from the age of 10, if the person is in a closed environment or even in a pharmacy. A slightly different legislation applies in Madeira, as the use of a mask is mandatory from the age of 6 if you want to go to the hospital or even the pharmacy.