by Jim Byers
Last updated: 5:48 PM ET, Tue August 10, 2021
France is now requiring people to show a QR code proving they have special COVID-19 status before they can step into a restaurant or cafe, or before they travel.
The new program is "part of a government plan to encourage more people to get a COVID-19 vaccine shot and slow down a surge in infections, as the highly contagious delta variant now accounts for most cases in France," according to Associated Press.
The special vaccine certificate, called a pass sanitaire, is being given out to people who can prove they've been fully vaccinated against the virus or who have recovered from COVID-19, or who can show a recent negative test result. The measure also applies to visitors, AP said.
The pass has been in place for some time for people wanting to go to a movie or museum. As of August 9 it applies to anyone who wants to dine in a restaurant or cafe, or drink in a bar, even outdoor. Passengers travelling long distance by bus or train also will need the pass, as will anyone visiting nursin homes and hospitals, unless it's an emergency.
The Guardian reports that French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron brought in the pass to convince hardline vaccine skeptics to get inoculated. The measure is meeting strong resistance from both left and right wing forces.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a left wine presidential candidate in France, has called the measure "absurd, unfair and authoritarian."
Macron, on the other hand, says it's a necessary move.
"It's about citizenship. Freedom only exists if the freedom of everyone is protected… it's worth nothing if by exercising our freedom we contaminate our brother, neighbour, friend, parents, or someone we have come across at an event. Then freedom becomes irresponsibility," he said.
The German newspaper Die Welt, meanwhile, says Germany's health ministry has outlined vaccine certificate proposals to the country's politicians.
"The proposed measures would allow only those who have been vaccinated against the virus, have recovered from an infection, or can provide proof of a negative test result access to facilities, including restaurants, hotels, hairdressers and sports stadiums. Large gatherings, both inside and outside, would be inaccessbiel to those who do not fulfill the criteria."
Italy last Friday began requiring proof of inoculation to dine indoors in restaurants and bars, or go to concerts and museums, according to the New York Times. People who have recovered from COVID-19 or can display a recent negative test also will be allowed access. Authorities have said more activities might be covered by the country's vaccine passport law in the future.
Quebec on Tuesday said it will introduce vaccine passports on September 1. New York City also is bringing in a form of vaccine certificate.
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