Paris local authorities were among many who imposed extra mask-wearing rules, in addition to the national requirement that masks be worn in all indoor public spaces and on public transport.
The Paris rule mandated masks at all times in all outdoor areas including on the street – but the rule has now been suspended by a court which ruled it “an excessive, disproportionate and inappropriate (…) infringement of individual freedom”.
The administrative court has suspended the préfectoral decree which imposed the Paris rule, and comes a day after a similar rule for the greater Paris area of Yvelines was also suspended.
Dozens of other local authorities around France had imposed extra requirements for mask-wearing outdoors, and although the Paris decision has no direct effect on other areas, it could open the door to further appeals.
Paul Cassia, one of the lawyers who brought the challenge against the Paris rule, told Le Parisien: “The order was illegal because it relates to a general and absolute obligation, which is only very rarely admitted by the administrative judge.
“Freedom is the rule and the police measure is the exception. It is this very classic maxim which is applied today.”
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UK has said today that the British health pass will be abolished by the end of the month and that there is no basis for renewing the authority. Hopefully, this signals the beginning of the end of this terrible period and that France will soon be in a position to follow suit.
I’m not sure the same will happen in France, at least not yet. Véran praised the UK for the success of its booster campaign and continues to try to entice people to get their boosters here in France. Until enough people have taken their 3rd shot, I fear that the health pass will continue to be required for certain venues.
Yes, I was overjoyed to hear this. I live in NZ, with similar outlandish rules, and some such as forced two week quarantine lockup with almost closed off entry for citizens even worse! My mother lives in France. I too hope this is the beginning of the end. Some regimes have a far more authoritarian view. Our courts have decided any Covid law passed by the government, without any vote or discussion may I hasten to add, is above human rights and freedoms. If you are vocal about opposition the police come knocking on your door…I hope things change and soon. Division is getting very hateful and being driven by some governments inc Macron