- Title: Coffee and croissant in a French cafe? You'll need a COVID pass for that
- Date: 9th August 2021
- Summary: PARIS, FRANCE (AUGUST 9, 2021) (REUTERS) GERMAN TOURISTS STANDING OUTSIDE RESTAURANT, VRAI PARIS GERMAN TOURISTS SHOWING HEALTH PASS TO WAITER
- Embargoed: 23rd August 2021 11:30
- Keywords: France Montmartre Paris coronavirus health pass new law restaurants
- Location: PARIS, FRANCE
- City: PARIS, FRANCE
- Country: France
- Topics: Europe,Health/Medicine
- Reuters ID: LVA001EPK5WLJ
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text:France's extensions to its COVID-19 health pass came into effect on Monday (August 9), with restaurants, trains and commercial centres required to make checks before allowing people in.
The manager of the Vrai Paris a cafe in the Montmartre district said they had turn away dozens of clients who could not show the pass.
Romain Dicrescenzo told Reuters that some were forced to take away their coffee in paper cups as they were not vaccinated, whereas others had to go home to get proof of their double vaccination.
Tens of thousands have protested across France against the health pass, with over 230,000 taking part in demonstrations on Saturday (August 7).
The protesters in France accuse Macron of trampling on their freedoms and treating citizens unequally. The president says freedoms carry responsibilities that include protecting the health of others.
Vaccination rates jumped after Macron unveiled his health pass plans last month. Two thirds of all French people have now received one dose and 55% are fully vaccinated.
"I've done it (gotten vaccinated), because in my job, it's important. At one point, I knew that I would be blocked, so I did it. But beyond that, it doesn't really bother me," said petrol logistics worker Issam Fakih, who showed his health pass to a waiter as he sat for an espresso and a croissant at Vrai Paris.
From Monday, people will have to show a health pass to eat in a restaurant, access non-emergency treatment in a hospital or travel on an intercity train. They are already needed to access swimming pools, museums and nightclubs.
Health employees have until Sept. 15 to get their vaccinations or face suspension.
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