A county commission meeting in Provo, Utah, on July 15. The meeting, to push for an exception to mask requirements in schools, adjourned over health concerns before it was underway. (Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP)

As countries around the world reopen their economies amid ongoing novel coronavirus outbreaks, governments are increasingly embracing what remains in some places a divisive public health measure: mandatory masks.

In France, face coverings will be required in all public enclosed spaces as of Monday. England is set to begin enforcing new rules that make masks mandatory inside supermarkets and other shops, effective Friday.