France tightens Covid-19 rules with health pass to access cultural events
Paris, Jul 21 (EFE).- From Wednesday, visitors heading to museums and cinemas among other activities including sporting events in France will only be allowed entry if they present a Covid-19 passport.
The health pass — that proves a person has either been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, has a recent negative test result or has recovered from the illness — will only be required in events that host more than 50 people.
The measure is the first step in French president Emmanuel Macron’s plan to make the Covid-19 certificate a requirement for entering bars and restaurants starting August, which is expected to be approved by the end of the week.
Health minister Olivier Veran announced on Tuesday that face masks will not be mandatory in activities where the health pass will be required, sparking criticism from experts who have warned that face coverings are still key in France, which is experiencing a fourth wave of infections.
France reported 18,181 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, a spike from last week when it reported 7,000 cases, health ministry data showed.
The health pass will also be required to foreigners visiting France, except for under-18s who will not have had the opportunity to get vaccinated by August. EFE
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