France to propose masks at work as infections rise

The French government is proposing the wearing of face masks in all workplaces to stem the spread of COVID-19.

Minister for Labor Elisabeth Borne has announced that she will propose it in meetings with union leaders on Tuesday.

At least 3,352 new cases of coronavirus infection were registered on Saturday, and 3,015 on Sunday. About 17 more active clusters are being observed. Hospitalizations and cases under intensive care have ticked up slightly.

In a tweet, Borne reinforced the need for vigilance on the part of the country.

"Everyone must do their utmost to prevent the spread of the disease. We will discuss Tuesday with the social partners strengthening health standards in companies to guarantee health at work and the continuity of economic activity."

Borne added: "We must avoid new confinement at any cost."

Twenty-three other departments within France remain in what is considered to be a vulnerable condition by the Health Ministry, up from 21 on Friday.

The death toll in France currently stands at 30,410 with cases of infection at 218,536. A total of 4,860 people remain in hospital with 376 of those in intensive care, according to the latest official figures.

A decree was also published in the Official Journal by the Health Ministry on Friday that declared both Paris and the Bouches-du-Rhone as "active coronavirus circulation zones."

They are now classified as red zones, the most concerning. The colored levels were put in place by the ministry, including a green zone, classified as safe, and orange zones, more concerning, to closely track departments during the crisis.

France's plans to open schools in two weeks' time remains in place.

To further stem the spread of the virus, the French government has extended the compulsory wearing of face masks in many cities and towns, particularly the Ile-de-France region, which houses Paris.

Most of France’s other main cities already made the wearing of masks mandatory in their main public spaces last week as people gather outside on summer vacations and the practice of social distancing becomes lax.