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France makes Covid vaccines mandatory among health personnel

In a televised address to the nation on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that all staff workers in medical facilities must be vaccinated by September or face losing pay, while 'health passes' proving double-jab vaccination will be needed from early August to enter shopping centres and other venues.

La rédaction de Mediapart

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All health care workers in France must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 by September or risk not being paid, the government has announced, reports BBC News .

The requirement applies to doctors, nurses, office staff and volunteers.

President Emmanuel Macron has also said that from next month, health passes will need to be shown to access places like shops, bars, cinemas and long-distance train journeys in France.

The passes show the holder has been jabbed, or had a recent negative test.

"I am aware of what I am asking of you, and I know that you are ready for this commitment, this is part, in a way, of your sense of duty," the president said in a televised address on Monday.

The mandatory vaccinations will apply to anyone who comes into contact with vulnerable people, and therefore applies to everyone who works in hospitals, clinics and care homes, regardless of their role.

They must be vaccinated by 15 September or risk not being paid, Health Minister Olivier Véran told France's LCI television.

Health passes are already used to enter some venues, such as nightclubs which reopened for the first time at the weekend. However they will be expanded to include more places including festivals, theatres and hospitals from 21 July and will apply to those aged over 12 years old.

Read more of this report from BBC News.