Paris (AFP)

The law extending the health pass to new public places and establishing a vaccination obligation for caregivers was published in the Official Journal on Friday, the day after its validation, for the most part, by the Constitutional Council.

Already in force since July 21 in certain places of leisure and culture, this pass (total vaccination, negative Covid-19 test or certificate of recovery) will be extended from Monday to cafes, restaurants, planes, trains, coaches for long journey, fairs, seminars and trade shows.

The Constitutional Council also authorized it for certain shopping centers "beyond a certain threshold defined by decree" and if "the seriousness of the risk of contamination" at the level of a department justifies it.

The health pass will also be compulsory for visitors or non-urgent patients in health establishments and retirement homes as long as the latter does not "obstruct access to care".

Demonstration against the compulsory vaccination of caregivers on August 5, 2021 in front of the Timone hospital in Marseille Christophe SIMON AFP

The law promulgated, applicable "until November 15, 2021 inclusive", also provides for a vaccination obligation for caregivers and other professions in contact with vulnerable groups.

They have until October 15 to present a complete vaccination schedule.

It also establishes a procedure for suspending the employment contract without remuneration in the absence of a pass.

The Constitutional Council nevertheless censured the early termination of contract of fixed-term contracts or temporary workers without a pass.

Also censored, the compulsory isolation of patients for 10 days, deemed disproportionate by the Constitutional Council.

The health pass in force since July 21, by decree, was in places of leisure and culture bringing together more than 50 people.

Except for 12-17 year olds, exempt until September 30.

Health pass control at the entrance to the Salins d'Aigues-Mortes on August 3, 2021 Pascal GUYOT AFP / Archives

The bill expanding it was passed on July 25 by deputies and senators after six days of heated debates and several inflections, before the Constitutional Council was seized by the government and three groups of parliamentarians.

The Wise Men rendered their decision on Thursday, in the midst of a new wave of the Covid-19 epidemic, by trying to establish a "balanced reconciliation" between the requirements of protection of health and individual freedoms.

The law promulgated provides that "the National Assembly and the Senate may request any additional information within the framework of the control and evaluation of the measures" introduced.

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The device is contested by French anti-pass or anti-vaccination who launched new calls to demonstrate this Saturday, after already three days of mobilization, the last of which, on July 31, brought together more than 200,000 people across France according to the Ministry of the Interior.

© 2021 AFP