France’s virus pass now required in restaurants, trains

People in France are now required to show a QR code proving they have a special virus pass to enjoy restaurants and cafes or travel across the country

Virus Outbreak France (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

People in France are now required to show a QR code proving they have a special virus pass to enjoy restaurants and cafes or travel across the country.

The measure is part of a government plan to encourage more people to get the vaccine and to slow down a surge in infections, as the highly contagious delta variant now accounts for most cases in France. Over 36 million people in France, or more than 54% of the population, are fully vaccinated.

The special pass is issued to people who are vaccinated against COVID-19, who have proof of recent recovery from the virus or who have a recent negative test.

The measure also applies to tourists visiting the country.

In hospitals, visitors and patients who have appointments are required to have the pass. Exceptions are made for people needing urgent care at the emergency ward.

The pass is now required on high-speed, intercity and night trains carrying over 400,000 passengers per day, Transports Ministry Jean-Baptiste Djebbari said Monday. It is also required on long-distance travels by plane and bus.

“We’re going to enforce massive controls,” Djebbari said.

Paper or digital documents are accepted.

Polls show that most French support the health pass. But the measure has prompted strong opposition from some people who say their freedoms will be compromised, notably by limiting movements and daily activities outside the home.

On Saturday, thousands of demonstrators marched in Paris and other French cities for a fourth consecutive week of protests against the measure.

The pass was already in place last month for cultural and recreational venues including cinemas, concert halls, sports arenas and theme parks.

The law also requires health care workers to be vaccinated against the virus by Sept. 15.

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