Starting Monday across France, everyday activities such as going to a cafe or taking a train will only be allowed for those who can show they are vaccinated, have recovered or tested negative for the coronavirus as controversial measures enter effect.
The stricter rules, which also make it compulsory for all health care workers to be vaccinated by September 15, will be in effect until mid-November and will apply to everyone who is older than 18.
Teens ages 12 to 17 will have to show such proof from September 30.
Restaurants, long-distance buses, planes, trade fairs and health facilities are among the places where such proof must now be presented; a digital health passport has already been required to go to the cinema, visit a museum or attend a major event since mid-July.
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However, as Health Minister Olivier Veran pointed out to Le Parisien newspaper on Sunday, some of the rules won’t be as tough as originally planned, such as allowing a negative test to remain valid for up to 72 hours, instead of 48. Self-tests are also OK, provided they are carried out under a medical professional’s supervision.
The latest weekend demonstration against the measures attracted over 200,000 people. Mass protests have taken place every weekend since President Emmanuel Macron announced the changes in mid-July in efforts to stop the rising number of new coronavirus infections.
Among France’s 67 million residents, about 63 per cent have received at least coronavirus jab. More than half are fully vaccinated.
