France is preparing to make face masks compulsory in the workplace, the government said on Tuesday as it moved to add open-plan work areas to a growing list of places where people have to cover up to curb the spread of coronavirus.

France will make wearing a face mask mandatory in workplaces starting from September 1 in an attempt to curb the resurgence of coronavirus infections, a union representative said on Tuesday.

"The government deems it necessary to wear a mask when you're not  alone," said Yves Veyrier, leader of Force ouvriere.

From September, mask-wearing will be compulsory in collective spaces and during meetings, but people will be allowed to remove face coverings in private offices, according to media reports.