French children are back to school, wearing masks

Twelve million children in France are back to school for the new academic year

MARSEILLE, France -- Twelve million children in France went back to school Thursday for the new academic year, wearing face masks as part of rules aimed at slowing down the spread of the coronavirus in the country. In France as in other European countries, many fear the end of the summer break will see a new surge in COVID-19 infections fueled by the highly contagious delta variant. French media cite the example of Scotland and Germany where reports of new cases increased after schools reopened. Visiting a primary school in the southern city of Marseille, French President Emmanuel Macron praised as “a victory” being able to open schools. Macron was greeted with a fist bump by children and teachers, all wearing masks, which are mandatory indoors starting from age 6.