The Constitutional Council validated, this Thursday, the text establishing the extension of the health pass to everyday places.
An expected decision whose effects will be seen from August 9, the date of entry into force of the new device.
Here's what to remember about the new rules.
How to get the health pass?
The rules do not change after the decision of the Constitutional Council.
You must have been fully vaccinated and wait a week after the last dose (four weeks for Johnson & Johnson) to have a valid health pass.
It is also possible to have taken a Covid-19 test which has been negative in the last 48 hours (but beware, the tests will become paid for in the fall) or to have had the virus in the last six months.
It will become compulsory for 12-17 year olds from September 30, in the same way as for adults.
Where will it be mandatory from August 9?
Already mandatory in places of leisure and culture of more than 50 people since July 21, the health pass will therefore turn a corner from August 9, with the validation this Thursday of the Constitutional Council. Its obligation is now extended to bars, cafes, restaurants and other everyday places, as well as long-distance journeys (by train, plane or bus). Expected on these points, the Constitutional Council also validated the obligation of health pass to access health establishments, for visitors, accompanying persons and patients who have a scheduled intervention. It will also be in large shopping centers (a threshold of which will be defined by decree), if the epidemic situation of the department justifies it. The 50-person gauge,which some establishments could take advantage of to bypass the health pass, is abolished.
Where will it not be mandatory?
The health pass will not be compulsory to go shopping in stores located outside shopping centers and in shopping centers where no obligation is imposed (this depends on a prefectural decision). It will also not be compulsory in health establishments in the event of an emergency and if it “can prevent access to care”. This decision would be left to "the appreciation of caregivers," said a source close to the Constitutional Council. In transport, the text provides that we can override the health pass in an emergency (but it will be necessary to be able to justify it). It is also not compulsory for collective catering, take-out catering (to pick up your meal at a restaurant for example) and road restaurants (for road professionals).
When will employees need a health pass?
Employees of companies where the health pass is mandatory will also have to have a health pass valid from August 30, at the risk of seeing their employment contract suspended.
The Constitutional Council, however, censored the possibility of early termination of a fixed-term contract or an interim contract, due to the non-presentation of a valid health pass.
On September 15, as validated by the Constitutional Council, nursing and non-nursing staff, in contact with potentially fragile people, must also be vaccinated.
