Europe 1 with AFP 2:55 p.m., September 2, 2021
"If the epidemic is still present in the coming weeks, it will be necessary to leave this possibility for the territories which are most affected", indicated Emmanuel Macron, Thursday, during his trip to Marseille.
Because the epidemic situation could remain "very tense" after mid-November, he warns.
President Emmanuel Macron did not rule out Thursday in Marseille an extension of the obligation of the health pass beyond November 15 in territories under strong pressure from the Covid-19 epidemic.
"It is too early to say" but "if the epidemic (of Covid-19) is still present in the coming weeks, it will be necessary to leave this possibility for the territories which are most affected", indicated the chief of the State during a press briefing after a visit to a school in Marseille.
Such an extension, already mentioned in early August by the Minister of Health Olivier Véran, will have to be the subject of a law in Parliament.
The situation could remain "very tense"
This "temporary instrument (...) avoids closing the structures. It is because there is the sanitary pass that there is no longer any need to close restaurants, cafes, theaters, cinemas, theaters, sports activities, "argued Emmanuel Macron.
According to him, the epidemic situation, "in particular in the Overseas Territories", could remain "very tense" after mid-November.
Mandatory since July 21 in places (culture, leisure, sports, trade fairs, etc.) welcoming more than 50 people, the health pass was extended on August 9 to access to hospitals except emergencies, bars and restaurants, large shopping centers by prefectural decision and on August 30 to 1.8 million employees in contact with the public.