TENS OF THOUSANDS PROTEST AGAINST COVID PASS, VACCINATION IN FRANCE

Sun 18 July 2021:

Thousands protest on Saturday against President Emmanuel Macron’s plans to force vaccination of health workers and require a COVID-19 free certificate to enter places such as bars, restaurants and cinemas, Reuters reported.

After rapid surge in coronavirus infections, President Macron this week announced sweeping measures, which protesters say infringe the freedom of choice of those who do not want the vaccination.

Some 55.1 percent of the French had had a single dose of a vaccine as of Friday.

Marches took place in #France largest cities such as #Marseille , #Lyon & #Lille , on Saturday to protest against President Macron’s plans to force vaccination of health workers and require a COVID-19 free certificate to enter places such as bars, restaurants and cinemas. pic.twitter.com/Oagd3T0l1T

— INDEPENDENT PRESS (@IpIndependent) July 17, 2021

The measures had already prompted demonstrations earlier this week, forcing police to use tear gas to disperse protesters.

Marches, which also took place in France’s largest cities such as Marseille, Lyon and Lille as well as many smaller centers, also included “yellow vest” protesters seeking to revive the anti-government movement curbed by coronavirus lockdowns.

“I hear the reluctance that arises but I think that we must at all costs convince all our fellow citizens to be vaccinated, it is the best way to cope to this health crisis,” Prime Minister Jean Castex said.

“The Delta variant is here, we must not hide the truth, it is more contagious than the previous ones. We must adapt and face it”, Castex told reporters.