French President Macron: Compulsory vaccination for health workers

Those who do not get vaccinated against the corona virus are no longer allowed to work: French President Macron has announced strict rules for health workers. A compulsory vaccination for all citizens is also conceivable.

France introduces mandatory corona vaccination for healthcare workers. Until mid-September, employees in hospitals and nursing homes as well as workers in contact with high-risk patients have time to get vaccinated, as President Emmanuel Macron announced. Subsequently, the obligation to vaccinate should be checked and violations punished. Health Minister Olivier Véran specified on the LCI channel that unvaccinated health workers would then no longer be able to work and would no longer be paid.

“We have to move towards vaccinating everyone because that’s the only way back to a normal life for now,” said Macron. The question of compulsory vaccination also arises for the general population.

PCR tests are to be paid for

So far, around 53 percent of people in France have been vaccinated against Corona at least once. The number of new infections per 100,000 inhabitants within a week had been falling in France for weeks. But it has been rising again since the end of June. Most recently, the value nationwide was around 35, in several departments it exceeded the 50 mark. According to official information, the delta variant of the corona virus accounts for almost 60 percent of all new infections.

In order to further boost the vaccination campaign, PCR tests are to be charged from autumn, unless they have been prescribed. With the new school year there will also be a vaccination campaign especially for schoolchildren.

Health emergency in overseas territories

In view of the increasing number of cases, Macron also announced a tightening of the corona rules. From July 21st, a negative corona test or proof of vaccination or recovery will be required in the cinema or theater. This applies as soon as more than 50 people come together. Proof is currently only required if there are more than 1000 people. From August, according to Macron, proof will also be mandatory in long-distance trains, bars, restaurants, shopping centers and hospitals. To this end, however, a corresponding law must first be passed.

Macron announced even stricter regulations for the French overseas territories of La Réunion and Martinique. On Tuesday, a health emergency is to be declared in the areas and a curfew is to be introduced.