Veran stated at a parliamentary hearing, that more than two French people test positive for COVID-19 every second due to the record number of cases. Veran estimates that approximately 10% of French people have been in close contact with someone infected by the virus in the last year.
He spoke to people who are not vaccinated and said: “There is really no chance that you can escape (COVID-19).: The virus is spreading too quickly.” Veran stated that 70% of those in intensive care units in Paris public hospitals are not vaccinated.
He advised those most at risk who have not had the booster shot to protect themselves in the coming days. Do not take chances.
In order to reduce the burden on hospitals already overwhelmed by the rapidly spreading omicron variant, the government has accelerated the introduction of the vaccine pass.
France has vaccinated 77% its population. It is now rushing to get booster shots again, in an effort to fight omicron. More than 4 million adults are still unvaccinated, with more than 1,000,000 people over 65.
On Wednesday, more than 3,400 COVID-19 victims were admitted to intensive care units. This is an increase of 10% in the week. This figure is two-thirds of the ICU beds that were occupied by infected patients with the virus. However, this number is still lower than the peak in spring when approximately 6,000 COVID-19-infected patients required intensive care.
The government desires the vaccine to be available by mid-January.
It is expected that the bill will be voted upon quickly by parliament with President Emmanuel Macron’s party having a majority in the National Assembly. This body has the final say.
If it is approved, the introduction of this vaccine will stop people who have not been vaccinated from using negative test results to gain access to areas where the vaccine passes.
The bill allows for an exception to the pass, notably for passengers who have family members or are suffering from health emergencies. However, they must be able to show a negative test.
If you are not vaccinated, but can show proof of recent COVID-19 treatment, you will be eligible for a limited six-month vaccine pass.
Jean Castex, the Prime Minister of France, announced Monday a number of new measures to stop the spread of the virus. The government did not take any drastic measures, such as curfews and lockdowns. Instead, it appeared to be trying to find a balance between the need to alleviate hospitals and maintain the economy.
Beginning next week, large events will be restricted to 2,000 indoors and 5,000 outdoors. In cinemas, sports facilities, and public transport, eating and drinking will all be prohibited, even long-distance. Employees whose jobs allow them to work from home must do so at least three times per week.
