Paris: People in France are now required to show a QR code that proves that they have passed a special virus to enjoy restaurants and cafes or travel throughout the country.
The size is part of the government’s plan to encourage more people to get a vaccine and slow down the surge in infection, as a very contagious Delta variant now contributing most cases in France.
More than 36 million people in France, or more than 54 percent of the population, are fully vaccinated.
A special pass was released for people who were vaccinated against Covid-19, which had evidence of recent recovery from viruses or who had a recent negative test.
The size also applies to tourists visiting this country.
In hospitals, visitors and patients who have promised to be asked to have a pass.
Exceptions made for people who need urgent care on the emergency ward.
Pass is now needed at high speed, intercity and night which brings more than 400,000 passengers per day, the Ministry of Transportation, Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, said on Monday.
It is also needed for long-distance travel based on aircraft and buses.
“We will enforce massive controls,” Djebbari said.
Paper or digital documents are accepted.
Polling shows that most France supports graduating health.
But the size has encouraged strong opposition from some people who said their freedom would be compromised, especially by limiting movements and daily activities outside the home.
On Saturday, thousands of demonstrators marched in Paris and other French cities for the fourth week in a row from protest against the size.
Pass has been in place last month for cultural and recreational places including cinemas, concert halls, sports arenas and amusement parks.
The law also needs health workers to be vaccinated against the virus on September 15.