Special virus passes approved in France

France's parliament approved a law early today requiring special virus passes for all restaurants and domestic travel in the country. And vaccination is now mandatory for all health workers.

{RVO}

President Emmanuel Macron said they are crucial to protecting vulnerable people and hospitals as infections rebound in the country.

His move came amid a battery of protests yesterday.

The law now requires all workers in the healthcare sector to start getting vaccinated by September 15, or risk suspension. A health pass is also required now to enter all restaurants, trains, planes and other public venues. Starting September 30, the law will apply to everyone aged 12 or above.

Macron said the law is aimed at preventing lockdown extensions and containing the spread of COVID. He added although protesters are at liberty to express themselves, demonstrations won't help stamp out the virus.