Paris smokers defend their right to light up in the streets

PARISIANS yesterday grudgingly accepted a new rule that face masks must be worn outside – apart from smokers, who continued to light up in the streets.

Police patrolled on bicycles, stopping pedestrians who defied the regulation, prompted by a rise in Covid-19 infections this week.

Smokers complained after cyclists and joggers were exempted. But Anne Souyris, an assistant mayor in charge of health, said: “It is forbidden to smoke in the street without a mask, so smokers will have to find another solution.”

However, Emmanuel Grégoire, the deputy mayor, said: “Smoking and eating in public are allowed.”

A senior police source said officers would “use common sense”, adding: “People sitting on benches or smoking in public areas shouldn’t be fined.”

Most people wore masks in central Paris. But Sarah, a 25-year-old student walking with a friend on Rue de Bretagne, told The Daily Telegraph: “We aren’t wearing them because there aren’t many people around.”

France reported 7,379 new Covid-19 infections yesterday in what doctors called an “exponential” increase, up from 6,111 on Thursday. The highest figure during the lockdown was 7,578.

Masks became compulsory earlier this month in Nice, Bordeaux, Marseille and Toulouse. An average of 700 people a day are being fined €135 (£120) for failing to wear them.

But Martin Blachier, head of the Public Health Expertise consultancy, warned: “People might wear masks outdoors because they don’t want to be fined, then take them off indoors”.

Masks will be required in workplaces, and for teachers and pupils over 11, from Tuesday.