The French government is going to make the wearing of a face mask mandatory in most workplaces to prevent a revival of the corona pandemic.

The measure will take effect on September 1, a government spokesman said Tuesday.

The Department of Labor said the new regulation will apply to all shared spaces in offices and factories, but not individual offices where only one employee is present.

Working from home remains the recommended option for employees, according to the ministry.

France imposed some of Europe’s most stringent lockdown restrictions earlier this year, significantly reducing coronavirus infections.

But in recent weeks, the number of new Covid-19 cases has soared, and public health officials have warned it could get out of hand.

The government is under pressure from trade unions to introduce protective measures on time when people return to work after a long summer vacation and children have to go back to school.