Mask wearing outdoors returns to town and markets in neighbouring Haute-Savoie

People living in or visiting Haute-Savoie in neighbouring France will have to wear masks outdoors again in many places following a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in the department.

It was announced yesterday that until August 31, wearing a mask is once again compulsory in municipalities with more than 5,000 inhabitants, in areas on the shores of lakes, such as Lake Annecy and the french shores of Lake Geneva, as well as in towns that are popular with tourists. The new rules apply with immediate effect. 

The reimposed ruling applies to anyone over the age of 11 and also covers gatherings of more than 10 people, markets and flea markets, queues for stadiums, events, stations, cafes and restaurants. 

Fines of 135 euros will be imposed on anyone who doesn’t comply with the new measures. Fines will increase to 200 or 450 euros for repeat offenders. 

Haute-Savoie currently has 220 cases of Covid per 100,000 residents compared with just 46 per 100,000 on July the 19th; an increase of more than 370% in just 10 days.

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