Thibaud Hue, edited by Antoine Terrel 6:52 am, September 12, 2021

On Saturday, in several French cities, caregivers protested against compulsory vaccination against Covid-19 for hospital staff.

Some are ready to quit their jobs rather than give in, but worry about their financial future or their patients in the hospital. 

REPORTING

For the ninth consecutive week, thousands of people marched in the streets of France to protest against the implementation of the health pass, but also against the vaccination obligation for healthcare workers, which is due to come into force on September 15.

In the processions, many caregivers, therefore, who will be forced from next Wednesday to be vaccinated on pain of being suspended.

But despite the threat of suspension, some refuse to bow and say they prefer to leave the hospital. 

INTERVIEW -

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One after another, hundreds of caregivers threw their white coats on the sidewalk just outside the Ministry of Health.

A strong gesture, before being suspended.

A caregiver, Céline is afraid that she will soon no longer be able to pay her bills.

"I am lucky to still have my husband who works. We have two children and charges to pay like everyone else, and we do not know how we are going to do", she told Europe 1, claiming to have "started looking for work elsewhere".

"Health does not want me, it does not matter, I will find elsewhere," she continued.

And to insist on his discomfort.

"When I come home at night, I'm not well."

300,000 caregivers have not yet been vaccinated

In the procession, Muriel, a nurse, will also leave the hospital. But she is worried about the fate of her patients. "Some stop and leave their patients without care, which is dramatic, because there is a huge need for care everywhere in France," she regrets. "Either we are obliged to leave our patients completely alone, without any recourse and without knowing when we will be able to re-sign them again, or we choose to practice anyway, but illegally, therefore risking severe penalties. "

In total, according to figures from the Ministry of the Interior, 121,000 demonstrators, including 19,000 in Paris, were mobilized. At least 96 people were arrested after clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement in the capital. In France, 300,000 caregivers have not yet been vaccinated, ie 12% of the profession.