The order applies to people aged 11 and over in crowded areas, such as along the banks of the river Seine and open-air markets.

File Photo: Reuters

Paris:

The mandatory wearing of face masks while outdoors in many parts of Paris came into effect on Monday, after authorities imposed new measures to curb COVID-19 spread in the French capital.

The order applies to people aged 11 and over in crowded areas, such as along the banks of the river Seine and open-air markets, the BBC quoted the police as saying.

More than 100 streets are covered by the order, according to a list sent out by the police.

However, some popular tourist hotspots, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysees, were exempt from the new rules.

Face masks are already compulsory in enclosed public spaces in France.

Violators risk of a fine of 135 euros.

After a strict lockdown, France had flattened the curve of new infections but, since the start of July, cases have been on the rise again.

As of Monday, the country reported a total 235,237 COVID-19 cases, with 30,327 deaths.