From now on, it is possible to obtain washable or single-use fabric masks everywhere. But this regular supply turns out to be a real budget for families.
Masks are compulsory since Monday, July 20 in all enclosed spaces such as cinemas, meeting rooms, restaurants, games rooms, libraries, worship establishments, museums or stations. In the event of an infringement, a fixed fine of 135 euros will be imposed.
"France now has a large stock of masks for the general public", says the Ministry of Health. The only downside is that the price of this regular supply of masks is quite substantial, especially for families, as Le Parisien indicates. Thus, for a family of four with two children aged 11 and over, count € 96 for 32 cloth masks (washable 10 times) per month. For surgical masks (single use), the package is even heavier for the tribes. Count 228 € for 240 masks per month.
Measures to control prices
An astronomical cost for worried families, especially if the epidemic continues. "We have to protect ourselves, but it's still a sum, especially for anyone with children, and I think it should be free since wearing it has become mandatory", says David, a father in the Val-d'Oise, Île-de-France, in the columns of Le Parisien.
To avoid a surge in prices, comparable to that during the lockdown, the government issued a decree limiting the price of surgical masks at 95 euro cents per unit, until January 10, 2021. "The price of surgical masks will remain fixed at 95 euro cents until January 10, 2021. While the state of health emergency ended on July 10 at midnight, a decree was issued to extend this framework", indicates the government.
Aware of the cost for precarious people, the state will distribute free masks for free this week. “A distribution of masks for the general public will be set up as of next week for vulnerable groups. The target audiences are those who benefit from state medical aid and complementary health care and the usual contacts of associations helping the most vulnerable ”, recall the decree.
Do not panic if you forget your mask, some shopping centers, stores and tourist places provide them.