Protests as France introduces new Covid health pass
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)A new Covid health pass has been launched in France as the country battles a surge in infections.
To get the pass, people must show proof that they have been vaccinated against Covid, have had a recent negative test or are newly recovered from the virus.
The controversial measure came into effect on Wednesday at cultural and tourist sites including the Eiffel Tower plus some cinemas and museums.
President Emmanuel Macron wants to rush through legislation to extend the pass to restaurants, cafes, shopping centres and some trains in an attempt to pressure more French people to get vaccinated. Surveys show widespread vaccine hesitancy across the country.
Lawmakers will debate on the bill on Wednesday and changes could be implemented from early August.
Mandatory vaccines for health workers could also be in place by September and fines or sanctions could be enforced against those who do not stick to the new rules.
Mass protests are taking place against the pass with people calling it a “health dictatorship”, local media have reported.
The Covid health pass will be required for anyone over the age of 12, for all events or places with more than 50 people. This could include theatres, theme parks, cultural centres and sporting events.
Its rollout comes one day after Health Minister Olivier Veran warned of an unprecedented increase in Covid infections, confirming 18,000 cases in just 24 hours.
This marks a 150 per cent rise in infections since last week as the highly contagious Delta variant spreads rapidly throughout the nation.
The government is worried that pressure will grow on hospitals again in the coming weeks.
