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In a televised address, French President Macron announced the expansion of booster vaccinations
Photo: CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT / AFP
The rise in Covid-19 incidence is worrying, according to French President Emmanuel Macron.
In a TV address, Macron says the higher hospitalization rates are also alarming.
"Just like the WHO said: The fifth wave of Covid has arrived in Europe."
Macron announced that starting next month, people who have just reached the age of 50 will also receive a booster vaccination against the coronavirus.
So far, the age limit was 65 years.
From mid-December, people over 65 will only be considered vaccinated if they can prove a booster vaccination, as Macron announced on Tuesday evening in Paris.
Only with this proof of vaccination, recovery or negative test can you visit restaurants and events in France or travel by plane or long-distance train.
"Get vaccinated," Macron appealed to the population.
The pandemic is not over yet.
There is an alarming increase in the number of infections.
The head of state warned: "Make an appointment now."
Pension reform will be postponed again
Because of the Corona crisis, Macron also postponed its controversial pension reform plan into the future.
The conditions for a start of the reform are currently not in place, he said.
This means that there will be no reform before the presidential election in April next year.
It is expected that Macron will then seek a second term.
At the same time, the President promised to adhere to the pension reform in principle.
With regard to the current retirement age, he added that in France people will have to work longer in the future.
The complicated pension system should be made simpler and fairer.
After weeks of protests, the reform had already been postponed.
sol / dpa / afp
