SANITARY PASS. A first vote of the deputies rejected the text which provided for a return of the health pass at the borders. But the anti-Covid device is not definitively put aside.
[Mise à jour le 13 juillet 2022 à 11h46] the Covid-19 is back in everyday life according to the latest figures from the epidemic… but also its return to Parliament. As the new hemicycle is now in a position to legislate, a new health bill, including provisions for a partial return of the health pass, was examined at the Palais Bourbon on the night of Tuesday July 12 to Wednesday July 13, 2022.
During an eventful session, the deputies of the National Rally, of Nupes, but also of the Republicans, jointly opposed the return of the health pass at the borders, as well as between Corsica, the overseas territories and France. 219 deputies opposed it, 195 deputies voted in favor. But this is not definitively confirmed. In fact, at this stage, it was only a first-reading vote. The file must now be examined in the Senate, before returning to the National Assembly.
The new Minister of Health, François Braun, said “take[re] record of tonight’s discussions. My only compass is to preserve the health of all French people. We are at the beginning of the legislative process and, tirelessly, I will continue to try to convince you of the relevance and the correctness of article 2 (relating to the return of the health pass at the borders, editor’s note).
The vote at first reading of the new health bill therefore resulted in the rejection of the return of the health pass to the borders of France. “The preliminary draft provided for the reinstatement of a health pass at the borders of metropolitan France, in Corsica and in the overseas territories from August 1, 2022 and until March 31, 2023”. At this stage, it is therefore no longer a question. However, the text must now pass through the hands of the Senate and then return to the National Assembly, which could lead to some changes. From there to seeing article 2 of the bill be reinstated?
The mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi awkwardly shared false information on Monday June 27: “I have information that the vaccination pass could be reactivated from August 1st. Naturally, everyone will do what they intend to do, but it is our duty to all of us to set an example”, he announced during his presidency of the Metropolitan Council of Nice Côte d’Azur.
Christian Estrosi’s entourage clarified to Le Parisien that in reality, the elected representative of Nice “wanted to talk about the border pass for those who travel, and not the health or vaccination pass at the restaurant”. The mayor of Nice was referring to the date which appears in the draft law which wishes to rehabilitate the health pass at the borders… But the sentence of Christian Estrosi, isolated without its context, has become viral on social networks like Twitter. Senator Bernard Jomier took charge of correcting the situation on his Twitter account:
The health bill does not provide for the extension of the health pass. Article 1 refers to the only Sidep system for collecting data to monitor the epidemic. Let’s debate and adopt the right measures without distorting reality 1/2 pic.twitter.com/kJN5CISg2L
— Bernard Jomier (@BernardJomier) June 24, 2022
From August 1, the government could have a new text adopted by Parliament if it wants to be able to apply the health pass, and not the vaccine, at the borders.
In which places is the health pass currently maintained?
Since March 14, 2022, the health pass has been maintained only in retirement homes, nursing homes, hospitals and establishments welcoming people with disabilities, “except in the event of an emergency”, for all patients or accompanying persons. It should be noted that the vaccination obligation remains the rule for caregivers.
Access to health establishments and medico-social services is conditional on the health pass (complete vaccination schedule, negative Covid-19 test or certificate of recovery) for patients and companions, except of course in emergencies, where no pass is required. is asked.
From what age does the health pass apply?
The health pass applies to French people from the age of 12, only to go to health establishments, establishments welcoming people with disabilities or the elderly or medico-social establishments.
There are three possibilities for obtaining the health pass: the first is to have a complete vaccination schedule. It consists of two doses required for the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca vaccines, only one dose for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, to which a booster dose is added 4 months after the 2nd injection, except for people who have already contracted Covid-19, or minors. The immunity period after the last injection must also be respected (7 days for Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca, 28 days for Johnson & Johnson). The second is to have a Covid-19 recovery certificate less than 4 months old. Finally, for those who do not wish to be vaccinated, the presentation of a PCR or antigenic test of less than 24 hours is necessary.
What tests to obtain a valid health pass?
PCR, antigen or self-tests under the supervision of a health professional for 24 hours from the date of collection, it is possible to obtain a health pass. These tests are free for French people who have a complete vaccination schedule and for “minors, those with a contraindication to vaccination, those identified in the context of contact tracing made by Health Insurance or TousAntiCovid or even those with a medical prescription or having a certificate of recovery of less than six months”, specifies the Directorate General of Health. Only people who have not been vaccinated or whose vaccination schedule is not complete have to pay 3.35 euros for a self-test carried out in a pharmacy, 20 euros for an antigen test or 44 euros for a PCR test.