French urged to mask up as cases rise

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne urged people to wear masks in crowded spaces, after health officials on Tuesday reported a sharp rise in cases of Covid over the past week.

Positive tests shot up to 147,248 according to figures released on Tuesday, 54% higher than the previous week, with experts referring to a seventh wave of the virus in Europe.

The prime minister spoke out after a meeting with senior health officials and the administrative heads of France’s regions.

While it is no longer compulsory to wear masks on public transport, Ms Borne said she was recommending using them in crowded places or confined spaces because of the rise in cases.