Paris (AFP)

Against the advice of the government, the National Assembly voted Thursday against the use of the health pass for non-emergency patients or visitors to health establishments and retirement homes.

The deputies supported by 70 votes against 67 of the LFI and LR amendments.

The bill proposed the health pass for only scheduled care or visitors, but not for urgent care.

The debate should however return during the parliamentary shuttle.

LFI MP Caroline Fiat, nursing assistant by profession, spoke of the "last moments" of patients and the difficulty of asking families for health passes (negative Covid test, vaccination certificate or certificate of recovery) to come to their bedside.

"We will know how to protect patients," she assured.

"It is necessary to preserve the right to care whatever the sanitary conditions and whatever the vaccination status of the patient", added LR Philippe Benassaya.

"On condition of respecting the barrier gestures", this deputy of Yvelines also underlined the "need to preserve the right of visit" of the families, particularly to "see one last time a dying loved one".

The government and the LREM rapporteur were content to mention their unfavorable opinion, without saying more.

A more flexible health protocol entered into force in May in retirement homes, once again allowing room visits and hospital discharges.

The health bill aims to extend, from the beginning of August, the use of the health pass for cafes, restaurants, fairs and trade shows, large shopping centers, as well as long-distance trains and coaches.

Before the debate on health establishments, the deputies voted to extend the pass to business seminars, an amendment by LREM Jean-Francois Eliaou.

© 2021 AFP