Thousands across France are set to take to the streets today to protest against changes to the country's COVID-19 pass regulations.
Government officials confirmed on Tuesday that they plan to enact a law which would effectively block unvaccinated people from hospitality venues.
Until now, France has enforced coronavirus health pass, requiring people to show proof of a recent negative test or proof of vaccination for entry into restaurants, cafes and cinemas, as well as to board trains.
The new change will remove the option of showing a negative test, meaning unvaccinated people will be barred from hospitality venues or trains.
What are the changes?
France introduced a health pass last year that prevents people without a negative PCR test or proof of vaccination from entering hospitality venues, inter-regional trains and buses, and domestic flights.
But it now wants to turn the pass into a vaccine passport, which means only fully vaccinated people will have access.
"I won't send (the unvaccinated) to prison," President Emmanuel Macron said. "I won't vaccinate by force. So we need to tell them, from 15 January, you won't be able to go to the restaurant anymore, you won't be able to down one, won't be able to have a coffee, go to the theatre, the cinema."
Those opposed to vaccination undermine "the strength of a nation", Mr Macron added.
https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-france-braces-for-protests-as-anger-grows-over-tighter-rules-on-covid-passes-12510978?dcmp=snt-sf-twitter
