France Implements Strict COVID-19 ‘Health Passes’ For Most Public Places

The French government decided that it will require the use of “COVID Health Passes” for venues like cinemas, bars, restaurants, hospitals and long-distance trains and planes. The move sparked a wave of protests over the weekend.

The “Health Pass” includes information about an individual’s vaccination status, negative coronavirus test and/or recovery from illness.

This new measure will take effect in August. The government will also require healthcare workers to be vaccinated.

French government spokesman Gabriel Attal announced on Monday that France will slash planned fines against businesses that do not check clients’ health passes.

The country initially planned to charge a 45,000 euro fine for non-compliant businesses – that number has now been reduced to 1,500 euros. The fine will increase for repeat offenders.