The senators gave the first green light in committee on Friday to the anti-Covid bill which provides for the vaccination obligation for caregivers and the controversial extension of the health pass, but conditioned the latter to the restoration of the state of emergency sanitary. The Senate, dominated by the right-wing opposition, also began Friday evening debates in the hemicycle. The government is aiming for adoption before the end of the weekend.
For the rapporteur of the Law Commission Philippe Bas (LR), if an expansion of the health pass system constitutes “a form of response” to the spread of the Delta variant, in an attempt to avoid more restrictive restrictions, “it is however, acts of exceptional legislation ”. The bill is based on the extension until December 31 of the transitional regime of gradual exit from the state of emergency. An amendment was therefore adopted in committee which declares a state of health emergency until October 31, providing for the possibility for the government to limit its application, by decree, to certain territories.
A reduction in penalties
In these areas, the health pass could concern everyday places, as provided for in the government text (cafes, restaurants, etc.). On the other hand, for the territories where the government decides to end the health emergency, the health pass would only apply in certain places involving large gatherings of people. The senators also provided for adjustments to the modalities of application of the health pass, excluding in particular department stores and shopping centers.
They reinstated the creation of a specific offense for the presentation of a document belonging to another, but with a sanction that was sharply reduced. For employees of places subject to the health pass, who would not present it, they removed the possibility of being dismissed for this specific reason, considering the suspension “sufficiently dissuasive”.
“The text of the commission sets the framework”
Finally on the isolation measure for people screened positive for Covid-19, the senators have planned a two-step regime, which would first call for a commitment to self-isolation, under the control of insurance organizations. disease. A forced isolation placement measure would only intervene in the event of refusal or non-compliance with this commitment. On the aspect of compulsory vaccination for caregivers, senators have introduced more flexibility for people who do not have a complete vaccination schedule, until October 15.
“Instead of the confusion of the National Assembly, the text of the commission sets the framework”, declared the centrist senator Nathalie Goulet. “We can agree with it or not, but we at least understand the philosophy. We know exactly what we are responding to, a 4th wave with a much more aggressive virus, ”she added.