Several French cities on Thursday announced new face mask requirements and other measures to contain the coronavirus as the number of new cases continues to increase after a long lull, AFP quoted officials as saying.

The government, anxious to avoid a new outbreak but wary of clamping down too hard during the summer holidays, has stepped up guidance on social distancing as officials report new contagion “clusters” daily.

Face masks are already required in all enclosed public spaces nationwide, and in recent days several cities have cracked down on mass gatherings of young people in particular.