Covid Vaccine In France: France has performed nearly 16 million booster shots. (File)
Paris:
France on Wednesday began tightening new rules in the fight against Covid-19, meaning that people aged 65 and over will lose their health cards unless they have had a booster shot. third time.
Health cards were introduced over the summer and full vaccinations against Covid-19, a recent recovery or negative test required upon arrival at any restaurant or cafe, intercity train travel streets and to cultural sites such as cinemas or museums.
Backed by President Emmanuel Macron as he approaches re-election in 2022, health adoption is seen by many as a success, despite initial objections, by encouraging those hesitant to get vaccinated.
The government says around 400,000 people aged 65 and over who are eligible for the booster shot have yet to do so, the proportion being 12 per cent among those aged 80 and over and 10 per cent among those aged 65 to 79. .
People aged 65 and over who have not had a booster shot will see a QR code in their health card generated by an automatically activated mobile phone app.
The rule, which further tightens one of the strictest health travel systems in Europe, will be extended from January 15 to all age groups. The only option for people who don’t have a booster – other than getting one – will be to have a negative test result in up to 24 hours.
France has done nearly 16 million boosters and is confident of hitting its 20 million goal by Christmas.
The booster is now seen as a key weapon in defeating the Omicron variant that experts believe spreads faster than previous Covid variants and could become dominant in Europe in the coming weeks.
On Tuesday, France reported more than 63,400 positive Covid tests, the highest number since April, while nearly 2,800 people are in intensive care with the disease.
More than 76 per cent of people have been double vaccinated in France and children considered at risk can be vaccinated from Wednesday, with vaccinations also soon to be fully open to young children.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and was automatically generated from the feed provided.)
