Tougher restrictions enter force for the unvaccinated in France
Tough restrictions enter force on Monday for people in France who have not yet been vaccinated against Covid-19, amid a rapidly rising infection rate.
People who have not had the shot or recovered from the coronavirus will no longer be able to go to restaurants, bars, cultural institutions or sporting events or take long-distance trains, Deutsche press agency (dpa) reported.
The step comes as France introduces a vaccination pass. Holders will have to show this as proof they have been vaccinated or recovered to take part in public life, with proof they have tested negative for the virus no longer sufficient.
Exceptions will be made initially for those who decide to get the shot in the near future. This group may show a negative test result in order to access services.
The tougher regulations sparked controversy and the French Constitutional Council ruled that the restrictions for those who are not vaccinated may only remain in force as long as the pandemic requires.
French officials are hoping the measures will help stem the spread of the coronavirus, as infection numbers soar.
France recently recorded 3,300 cases per 100,000 people in seven days. Officials said there had been 390,000 new cases on Saturday.
