Lunchtime News Monday 17th January 2022

News

Vaccination pass - While a date is still to be confirmed for its implementation the vaccination pass will be obligatory from the age of 16 in France instead of the current health pass in order to access leisure activities, restaurants and bars, fairs, seminars and trade shows and interregional public transport (planes, trains, coaches). In transport, there is an exception: for "compelling family or health reasons" subject to presenting a negative test, "except in the event of emergency". Those aged 12 to 15 will remain subject to the obligation to present the current health pass for access to leisure activities, restaurants and bars, fairs or interregional public transport. The organizers of political rallies will have the possibility of requiring a health pass from participants. Large gatherings are currently limited to 2,000 people indoors, 5,000 outdoors.

To obtain the new vaccination pass, you will need a complete schedule (two doses or just one, depending on the vaccine). From February 15th, it will be necessary to carry out a booster dose four months and no longer seven, after its second dose for the pass to remain valid. Controls: in addition to the police, the managers of places and activities subject to the pass, such as bars and restaurants, will be able to check passes and ask for IDIn the case of presenting a pass belonging to someone else will be punished on the first breach by a fixed fine of 1,000 euros, compared to the current 135 euros.

Should you be found to be in possession of a false pass this is punishable with a five year prison sentence and a 75,000 euros fine. However this penalty may be lifted if you agree to commit to a vaccination schedule. The lack of control of the pass by the manager of an establishment open to the public will be liable from the first breach to a fine of 1,000 euros. Finally companies that do not respect teleworking may face an administrative fine of up to 500 euros per employee, up to a limit of 50,000 euros.

Mayor of Cannes considers that the implementation of the vaccination pass is too late - Meanwhile following the passing of the bill to replace the health pass with a vaccination pass on Sunday January 16th, the mayor of Cannes David Lisnard has said that the measure has come "too late". The mayor went on to criticise the move saying that "it's become a political weapon" adding that Emmanuel Macron's recent comments saying that he "wanted to annoy the non-vaccinated" was not within the role of the Head of State, who should want to "solve problems and cultivate national harmony instead of deviating from our objectives."

In other news

Road accident - Three people have been seriously injured in a head on collision in Cavalaire in the Var. The accident occurred on Sunday afternoon on the Route de Toulon the two vehicles were travelling in opposite directions. Emergency services intervened shortly after 5pm and traffic was cut off in both directions. An investigation has been opened to determine the cause.

Referendum 2023 - The mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi has announced that a referendum will take place in 2023 for the future low-emission zone in the city centre prior to a test, mid-2023, as to the removal of red lights and a 30km speed limit between Carabacel and Jean-Médecin. Estrosi said th