The plans have proven hugely controversial, prompting two weekends of protests that on Saturday saw over 160,000 rally nationwide and dozens arrested. (Photo by= AFP/Alain Jocard) |
[Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] PARIS: France government's spokesman announced on Wednesday (Jul 28) that the country will from Aug 9 enforce new legislation that will make a health pass compulsory to visit a cafe, board a plane, or travel on an inter-city train, AFP reported.
Parliament passed the legislation at the weekend that sparked mass protests in France but the government is determined to press ahead and make health pass a key part of the fight against COVID-19. A valid health pass is generated by two jabs from a recognized vaccine, a negative coronavirus test, or a recent recovery from infection. The legislation also makes vaccination compulsory for health workers and carers. Attal's announcement came as data showed 50 percent of France's adult population were now vaccinated with two jabs. The government's health pass strategy makes vaccination its number-one weapon in the fight against COVID-19.
Meanwhile, the pass has already been obligatory from Jul 21 for visits to museums, cinemas, and cultural venues with a capacity of more than 50 people. Government spokesman Gabriel Attal said it would also be obligatory in cafes, restaurants, flights, and intercity trains from Aug 9. The implementation of the health pass legislation will come four days after the Constitutional Council, France's highest constitutional authority, issues its ruling on the legislation on Aug 5.