France Imposes Fines Up to 180,000 KRW for Not Wearing Masks in Public Places Starting Today

A traveler wearing a mask is taking photos while visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral in Marseille, France, on the 16th (local time). [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The French government announced on the 19th, according to AFP and other sources, that starting from the 20th (local time), a fine of 135 euros (approximately 186,000 KRW) will be imposed on those who do not wear masks in indoor public places to prevent the resurgence of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

This measure is being implemented following the announcement on the 16th by French Prime Minister Jean Castex that mask-wearing would be mandatory in public places. Until now, the French government had only imposed the same fine amount on those not wearing masks while using public transportation.

However, due to growing concerns about the resurgence of COVID-19, mask-wearing will now be mandatory in supermarkets, banks, shops, and other places. In the case of offices, companies will decide independently based on their own judgment.

The fine can be imposed up to a maximum of 135 euros. This amount is twice the cost of a monthly public transportation pass in Paris (about 75 euros). Since partially lifting lockdown measures on May 11, the French government has mandated mask-wearing and imposed fines in some facilities such as public transportation, the Louvre Museum, Disneyland, and the Eiffel Tower.

French health authorities reported that the 'R value,' which indicates the infection reproduction number, increased to 1.2 over the past weekend. The R value is an indicator representing the number of additional patients infected by one confirmed case.

France is one of the countries most severely affected by COVID-19 in Europe. According to the international statistics site Worldometer, France's cumulative number of confirmed cases is 174,674, and the cumulative number of deaths is 30,152.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.