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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
France to ban smoking in public spaces where kids are present from July 1
Starting July 1, France will ban smoking in public spaces like parks, beaches, and bus stops to protect children's health; violators may face fines up to 135 euros ($154) Barkha Mathur New Delhi France is saying 'non' to puffing in public where children are around. Starting this July, lighting up a cigarette at the beach or bus stop in France might land you a hefty fine. In a move hailed by health advocates, the French government is set to roll out tough new anti-smoking rules to keep public spaces, especially those frequented by children, smoke-free, according to media reports. Why is France banning smoking in outdoor public places? French Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin explained in an interview published by the regional Ouest-France daily on its website that tobacco 'must disappear where there are children.' She added, 'The decision is rooted in public health, particularly for children. The freedom to smoke stops where children's right to breathe clean air starts.' The restrictions will take effect on July 1 and will cover all outdoor areas where children are likely to be present, including beaches, parks, public gardens, school surroundings, bus stops, and sports venues, she said. According to Santé Publique France (Public Health France), the French national public health agency reporting to the Ministry of Health, about 75,000 people die from tobacco-related complications each year in the country. The government wants to take stronger steps to reduce this number and ensure that children are not exposed to secondhand smoke in open, public areas. Where will smoking be banned under the new rules? Public parks and gardens Beaches School surroundings Sports stadiums and grounds Bus and tram stops The aim is to create tobacco-free zones in all places where children and families gather. What is the penalty for breaking France's new smoking ban? If you're caught smoking in a restricted outdoor area, you could face a fine of up to €135 ($154). French authorities plan to actively enforce the new rules, with signage and public awareness campaigns to support compliance. Are there exceptions to the smoking ban in France? There are two notable exceptions: Café terraces are exempt, meaning adults can still smoke while sipping coffee outside a café Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or vapes) are not included in this ban, though France is working on tightening vaping regulations soon Do French citizens support the outdoor smoking ban? According to a survey cited by news agency AFP, 62 per cent of French citizens support a ban on smoking in public spaces. That's nearly two out of three people. How widespread is smoking in France today? According to a report by the French Observatory of Drugs and Addictive Behaviours, a non-profit organisation that collects data on drug use and addiction and evaluates public policy, smoking is declining in the country, particularly among teens. It found that daily smoking among 17-year-olds has dropped by nearly 16 percentage points since 2011. However, vaping is becoming more common, with 56.9 per cent of 17-year-olds having tried it at least once. France joins global efforts to tighten tobacco laws France is joining a growing list of countries stepping up their tobacco control measures. Spain recently proposed expanding its own smoking bans to include terraces, university campuses, and open-air nightclubs. The UK is banning all single-use disposable vapes starting June 1 and is debating further restrictions on smoking in public spaces. For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Chikungunya virus outbreak kills six on France's Réunion Island
Six people have died from chikungunya on the French overseas department of Réunion Island since the start of the year, health officials confirmed on Wednesday. The mosquito-borne virus has infected more than 33,000 people on the island so far. The deaths, between 10 and 30 March, were of people aged over 70 with underlying health conditions, the latest bulletin from France's public health agency, Santé Publique France said. The agency also said that several other deaths were being investigated to determine whether the virus was a factor. An epidemic was declared on Réunion Island on 13 January, following a surge in cases that began in August 2024. Health officials linked the outbreak to rising mosquito numbers during the summer and low immunity levels in the island's population of around 900,000. Health officials say the situation remains serious, despite some early signs of improvement. Reunion Island launches emergency health plan amid chikungunya epidemic Chikungunya is spread by Aedes mosquitoes and causes fever, a rash and joint pain. It can be particularly dangerous for older people, pregnant women, babies and those with chronic illnesses. In the week from 31 March to 6 April, a total of 4,913 new cases were confirmed, down from nearly 6,300 the week before. Read more on RFI EnglishRead also:Cyclone death toll rises to four on ravaged French islandTwo die from chikungunya as virus spreads on France's Reunion IslandRéunion Island company revives ancient fermentation technique to boost health
Local France
14-04-2025
- Health
- Local France
France launches summer Covid-19 vaccine renewal campaign
On Monday, the French government launched a new Covid-19 booster vaccination campaign aimed at elderly and vulnerable people. The campaign will run until at least June 15th, 2025. It may then be extended into July, if health officials think it necessary. The pre-summer vaccine drive was recommended by France's national health authority, the Haute Autorité de Santé, in a report published in March. Despite the fact that it has now been over five years since the start of the pandemic, the latest variant of the virus is still circulating in France, though at lower levels than in years previous. In its most recent bulletin, Santé Publique France said that there were no immediate public health concerns about Covid-19. However, certain groups are still at risk of developing a severe form of the disease, especially ahead of the busy summer travel season. Advertisement As such, the latest campaign will target: Anyone aged 80 and over; Anyone with weakened immune systems, regardless of their age; people residing in care homes or long-term care units, regardless of their age; and any person at very high risk according to each individual medical situation and as part of a medical decision shared with the care team. Vaccinations can be repeated three months after the last injection or last Covid-19 infection. Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities will be able to receive this new injection directly at their facility. For everyone else, the vaccine may be administered by general practitioners or specialists, pharmacists , nurses, midwives, or hospital departments where the person is being treated. Vaccinations against Covid-19 are entirely reimbursed the French public health insurance system, for people who are registered . READ MORE: The different ways you can make a doctor's appointment in France
Morocco World
20-02-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
France Warns of Measles Cases Linked to Travel from Morocco
Rabat – French health authorities are urging vigilance and precaution after having registered several cases of measles imported from Morocco since the start of the year. Officials insist on vaccination, especially for those traveling. In a statement on February 14, Santé Publique France tallied 13 cases linked to recent travel to Morocco, which totals 39 in 2024 and 2025. Young adults and children up to five years are most at risk. Of the reported cases, 26 were hospitalized, with 11 reported in January alone. Health officials also note that nearly all imported cases involve unvaccinated individuals or those unsure of their vaccination status. They advise parents to have infants vaccinated for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) as early as six months. For travelers heading to high-risk areas, authorities recommend checking immunization records to prevent further spread. Morocco is facing a worrying measles outbreak, with health authorities launching a nationwide response and vigilance from the population. Earlier this month, government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas announced that the Ministry of Health examined the immunization status of nearly 8.8 million children under the age of 18. Baitas also mentioned that the government and the Ministry of Health have initiated a holistic awareness campaign to stop measles transmission and encourage people to opt for vaccines as a means of prevention against the virus. Tags: measlesmeasles moroccoMeasles Vaccination
