Minister tells French public: don't wait to put on masks

French Health Minister Olivier Veran on Thursday encouraged people to start wearing masks in enclosed public spaces immediately, instead of waiting for a government order that takes effect next week. "I invite the French people to start wearing the masks now," Veran told parliament.

French Health Minister Olivier Veran on Thursday encouraged people to start wearing masks in enclosed public spaces immediately, instead of waiting for a government order that takes effect next week. "I invite the French people to start wearing the masks now," Veran told parliament. "We don't need to wait for a decree."

French officials have accelerated plans to make face coverings compulsory in shops and other enclosed public spaces in response to signs that the COVID-19 outbreak is flaring up again in some places.