Paris (AFP)

The health pass, the extension of which comes into force on Monday for people aged 18 and over, will be payable in a very large number of public places, "until November 15, 2021 inclusive" according to the law.

There will be "a week of running in", to give time to professionals responsible for controls at the entrance of their establishments to "appropriate" this new tool, confirmed government spokesman Gabriel Attal.

For 12-17 year olds, it will be compulsory from September 30.

The youngest are totally exempt.

"In the absence of presentation" of the pass, "access to the establishment, place, service or event is refused, except for people justifying a medical contraindication to vaccination", states a decree published on Sunday in the Official Journal.

HOBBIES

The health pass takes the form of a QR code testifying to a complete vaccination schedule, the negativity of a Covid-19 test of less than 72 hours or the recovery from the disease.

It was already payable since July 21 at the entrance to places of culture and leisure (museums, cinemas, theme parks, festivals, fairs, stadiums, gyms ...) accommodating more than 50 people.

This gauge disappears and the device will therefore be applied in all these places regardless of the level of attendance.

Also from Monday, the pass is extended to cafes, bars and restaurants, both indoors and on the terrace.

The sale of takeaway meals is exempt.

The health pass: where and when?

Bertille LAGORCE AFP

SHOPS

The health pass is not required in most stores.

But it may be required, by decision of the departmental prefectures, in large shopping centers of more than 20,000 m2 "when their characteristics and the seriousness of the risks of contamination justify it", says the decree.

TRANSPORT

Municipal buses, trams, subways, TER and RER are exempt from the health pass.

Only long journeys are concerned: by plane, international trains, TGV, Intercity trains and long-distance coaches.

Random checks will take place on the platforms or in the trains, with "sanctions" if the travelers do not respect the law, assured Mr. Attal.

He confirmed that a person who would have booked a ticket but could not board because they would have contracted the Covid-19 in the meantime will be reimbursed.

AT WORK

The pass is required at seminars and trade shows from Monday.

It is also compulsory for employees and public officials in places requiring it to their customers, but only as of August 30, to give them time to be vaccinated.

Those who do not submit to it risk a procedure of suspension of their employment contract without remuneration.

In health facilities, caregivers and professionals in contact with fragile people have until October 15 to present a complete vaccination schedule.

Finally, corporate catering, and professional road and rail catering, are exempt from the pass.

HOSPITALS AND EHPAD

To make health establishments "sanctuaries" in the face of the epidemic as the government wants, visitors or non-urgent patients coming for "scheduled care" will also have to show their feet at the entrance to hospitals and homes pension - as long as this obligation does not "obstruct access to care", the Constitutional Council emphasized.

"In hospitals, the health pass will be required but in any case it should not be a hindrance to access useful and urgent care. The modalities will be declined lastly by the officials of the establishment", assures the Minister of Health Olivier Véran.

Anti-Covid safety instructions posted at Parisian airport of Roissy-Charles de Gaulle, July 20, 2021 Eric PIERMONT AFP / Archives

SANCTIONS

For professionals, if they do not control the health passes and this failure is noted "more than three times in a period of 45 days", the law provides for up to 9,000 euros fine and one year imprisonment.

© 2021 AFP