Paris: From Monday (January 24) “vaccine pass” enters into force in France. The pass will allow those recently recovered from the disease or fully vaccinated (and over the age of 16) to access bars, restaurants, inter-regional transport and other public spaces.
The introduction of the new pass is an attempt to increase France’s vaccination rate. It replaces the country’s “health pass” and means those testing negative for the disease are no longer able to enter such venues.
“The vaccine pass is a game-changer and will allow normal activities to resume again,” said Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, France’s minister for tourism and small businesses, on Europe 1 radio.
“Last summer, the health pass is what allowed us to face the (virus) wave and keep open a certain number of businesses: well here it is the same,” he added.
Despite the high infection rate in France, the government outlined a plan to lift restrictions from February.
Prime Minister Jean Castex said last week that mandatory mask-wearing outside and working from home will end from 2 February.
Nightclubs, which have been closed since December, will be able to reopen from 16 February.
