The introduction of health passports in France, confirming that a person is vaccinated, has had COVID-19 or passed a negative PCR test, and the mandatory vaccination of medical workers does not contradict the Constitution of the country. This is reported by France 24 with reference to the decision of the Supreme Court of the Republic.
However, the court declared unconstitutional the dismissal of a health worker with a short-term contract, who refused mandatory vaccinations, and the introduction of mandatory quarantine.
According to the government's decision, from August 9 to September 30, a sanitary passport, in particular, will be required to enter cafes and restaurants (both in the premises and on the terrace), intercity public transport (airplanes, trains, buses), medical institutions (with the exception of points of emergency). Since the end of July, without it, they are no longer allowed to visit museums, parks, zoos, attractions, cinemas, concerts, festivals and sports events with the participation of more than 50 people.
You can get a pass in three cases:
- Choice of vaccinations with Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson;
- A negative result from a PCR test done within 48 hours, or a test for the presence of antibodies;
- COVID-19 recovery certificate issued less than six months ago.
Anyone who enters the establishment without presenting a valid pass can be fined € 135 for the first violation.
A health passport is needed from the age of 12. For adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17, the requirement will come into effect on 30 August.
The Supreme Court has also approved mandatory vaccinations for healthcare workers and non-medical personnel in hospitals, other healthcare facilities and nursing homes, and must be fully vaccinated by September 15th. At the same time, the court ruled unconstitutional the dismissal of a health worker with a short-term contract, who refused compulsory vaccination.
In France, against the backdrop of new restrictions, massive protests erupted. On July 31, more than 204,000 protesters took to the streets, including 14,000 in Paris. The police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the demonstrators. Opponents of the restrictive measures accused President Emmanuel Macron of trampling on freedoms and discriminating against the unvaccinated. The politician himself called the refusal of vaccination irresponsible and selfish.
According to the latest data, the total number of people infected in France during the entire pandemic has exceeded 6 million people.
