French Parliament passes law that makes special COVID-19 passports, vaccines mandatory

The French Parliament on Monday approved a law that has made special virus passports and vaccination mandatory for health works as the nation continues to fight against the coronavirus. According to media reports, a compromise was reached between the houses of the Parliament amid massive protests against new measures. 

Last week, President Emmanuel Macron ordered the health pass --- proof of full vaccination or a negative test --- would be required for the French to visit any public venues which would include cinemas, nightclubs or even trains and planes. Initially, the new law applies only to adults but would become mandatory for everyone above 12 years of age starting September 30. 

This new law requires all healthcare sector workers to start getting vaccinated by September 15 or risk suspension. It further states that the government decree will outline how to handle vaccination documents from other nations.  This bill was unveiled just six days ago. After working through numerous days and nights, lawmakers came to a compromise and approved it on Sunday night. 

More than 1,11,000 people have lost their lives to the virus in France, which is registering about 20,000 new infections daily compared to just a few thousand earlier this month.

• France
• Emmanuel Macron
• COVID
• vaccination
• passports