Thousands Protest Against France's Coronavirus Health Pass As Stricter Rules Loom

https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2021/08/07/ [login to see] /thousands-protest-against-frances-coronavirus-health-pass-as-stricter-rules-loom
Thousands of protesters took to the streets Saturday across France for the fourth consecutive weekend of rallies against a requirement for a new pandemic health pass needed to enter most businesses or use public transportation.

The latest round of protests come after France's highest court upheld the majority of a new law requiring the health pass and for health care workers to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. The court wrote that those provisions complied with the nation's founding charter.

According to a notice from the French government issued July 29, residents were required to "present a health pass to access leisure and culture venues and events bringing together more than 50 people."

Beginning Monday, the health passes will be required to enter bars, restaurants, and malls — and to access long-distance travel by plane, train or bus.

The pass — championed by President Emmanuel Macron — requires proof of vaccination, a negative coronavirus test result in the past 48 hours, or showing that one has recovered from the virus for at least 15 days (but not more than six months).