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.
(Reporting by Christian Lowe; Editing by Alison Williams)
