Paris (AFP)

In force for weeks in Austria, Denmark, for a few days in France and Italy, the "health pass", which reserves access to certain public places to people vaccinated, cured or tested negative, is gaining ground.

- Denmark, Hungary and Austria pioneers -

In the spring, Hungary, Austria and Denmark were among the first European countries to implement health pass systems.

In Denmark, a pass is still mandatory to access various places, such as hairdressing salons or gyms.

Hungary, which vaccinated quickly with Russian and Chinese vaccines, began issuing "immunity certificates" as early as March.

From May, these cards were used to reopen hotels, theaters, cinemas and indoor dining rooms.

These restrictions have since been lifted but certificates are still required in health facilities and for gatherings of more than 500 people.

In Austria, as soon as the general reopening in mid-May, it was necessary to present a negative test, an antibody certificate or proof of vaccination in hotels, restaurants, sports halls, museums, concerts, at the hairdresser or for sporting events. .

This rule remains in force.

- A European certificate for traveling -

The health pass in European format, with a flash code that allows you to check whether the wearer is vaccinated or has a recent negative test, entered into force on July 1 in the EU.

It allows travelers to cross the borders of 33 countries of the Old Continent: the 27 Member States of the European Union and six other neighboring countries (Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Switzerland).

However, the rules vary depending on the destination and country of origin.

- Limited use in Portugal and Ireland -

In Portugal, a health pass is required to stay in a hotel or for group lessons in sports halls.

It is also required to access the interior rooms of restaurants, but only on weekends and public holidays.

In Ireland, the health pass is only required to access indoor rooms in restaurants and pubs.

- Extensive use in France and Italy -

In France, the health pass became compulsory on July 21 at the entrance to places of culture and leisure (museums, cinemas, theme parks, festivals, fairs) welcoming more than 50 people.

A vaccination center in a Muslim cultural center, in Frankfurt, May 27, 2021 Arne Dedert POOL / AFP / Archives

From Monday, it is extended (for those over 18) to cafes, restaurants, planes, trains, coaches for long journeys, fairs and trade shows.

The pass also becomes compulsory for non-emergency visitors or patients of health establishments and retirement homes.

Italy has been imposing a health pass since August 6 to enter cinemas, museums and sports halls, or to eat in the restaurant inside the establishment.

This "Green Pass" will also be compulsory for passengers on domestic flights, long-distance trains and ferries from September 1, as well as for teachers, staff of schools and universities, and university students.

- Regional measures in Spain and Germany -

In Germany and Spain, the regions have the hand for this type of measure.

In Spain, Galicia (north) has introduced the pass to access the interior of bars, restaurants and nightclubs in the most affected municipalities.

Comparable measures have been blocked by the courts in the Canaries (Atlantic, western Morocco) and Andalusia (south).

In Germany, depending on the Länder, a vaccination certificate or negative test may be required to access places such as hotels, sports halls, cinemas.

- Partially reinstated in Israel -

Faced with the rebound in contamination, Israel partially reinstated, at the beginning of August, the health pass: only people fully vaccinated, cured of Covid-19 or provided with a negative PCR test can enter a place welcoming more than 100 people, indoors or outdoors. outside.

- Soon in New York and Quebec -

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on August 3 that proof of vaccination would be required for "employees and customers of indoor restaurants, gyms and performance venues."

The device will be launched on August 16.

The Prime Minister of the Canadian province, François Legault announced on August 5 the imminent implementation of a vaccination passport.

This document will provide access to "non-essential" activities such as "going to a restaurant".

burx-ot / mw / dlm

© 2021 AFP