Paris (AFP)

The senators gave the first green light in committee on Friday to the anti-Covid bill which provides for the vaccination obligation for caregivers and the controversial extension of the health pass, but conditioned the latter to the restoration of the state of emergency sanitary.

The Senate, dominated by the right-wing opposition, will begin the debates in the chamber on Friday evening, but will not get down to examining the articles until Saturday, the government aiming for adoption before the end of the weekend.

For the rapporteur of the Law Commission Philippe Bas (LR), if an expansion of the health pass system constitutes "a form of response" to the spread of the Delta variant, in an attempt to avoid more restrictive restrictions, "it is necessary to however, acts of exceptional legislation ".

The bill is based on the extension until December 31 of the transitional regime of gradual exit from the state of emergency.

An amendment was therefore adopted in committee declaring a state of health emergency until October 31, providing for the possibility for the government to limit its application, by decree, to certain territories.

In these territories, the health pass could concern everyday places, as provided for in the government text (cafes, restaurants, etc.).

On the other hand, for the territories where the government decides to end the health emergency, the health pass would only apply in certain places involving large gatherings of people.

The senators also provided for adjustments to the modalities of application of the health pass, excluding in particular department stores and shopping centers.

They reinstated the creation of a specific offense for the presentation of a document belonging to others, but with a sanction that was sharply reduced.

For employees of places subject to the health pass, who would not present it, they removed the possibility of being dismissed for this specific reason, considering the suspension "sufficiently dissuasive".

Finally on the isolation measure for people screened positive for Covid-19, the senators have planned a two-step regime, which would first call for a commitment to self-isolation, under the control of insurance organizations. disease.

A forced isolation placement measure would only intervene in the event of refusal or non-compliance with this commitment.

Regarding the compulsory vaccination of caregivers, the senators have introduced more flexibility for people who do not have a complete vaccination schedule, until October 15.

"Instead of the confusion of the National Assembly, the text of the commission sets the framework," centrist Senator Nathalie Goulet told AFP.

"We can agree with it or not, but we at least understand the philosophy. We know exactly what we are responding to, a 4th wave with a much more aggressive virus," she added.

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