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Original poster

France pulls out the big guns!

760 replies

NotPregnantJustChubs · 12/07/2021 23:01

I live in France and Macron has just made a speech saying that from the end of July, vaccination or a negative test is going to be compulsory for cultural and entertainment venues. From August, it’ll be compulsory for cafes and restaurants too. This applies to all 12+.

PCR tests will become paid as of September, to encourage vaccination.

I’m already vaccinated, thankfully, and I do think it’s necessary to contain the delta variant. But wowza, I’m waiting to hear the backlash in the morning. Macron is up for reelection next year as well, they must be very desperate to contain this…

OP posts:
dworky · 13/07/2021 10:52

Must be lovely having an elected leader who is prepared to lead.

igelkott2021 · 13/07/2021 10:54

@Drinkingallthewine

I can't wait for it to go live in Ireland. We've had the longest and most stringent lockdowns and if showing a QR code on my phone lets life return to normal I'm all for it.
It's hardly normal. I wonder how long the queues will be - not so much for a restaurant but if you want to get into the theatre or cinema. You'll be there hours while everyone gets their phone out, gets it to the right screen and shows the person on the door. It probably depends on the type of phone, but I can't have mine ready as the screen goes to sleep, so I have to put my PIN in, go through to the NHS app, log in, find the right page. If it goes to sleep while I am in the queue I'll have to go through the whole rigmarole again. I suppose if you get the paper version it will be much faster.

But there again I know some people think that if there are crowds and queues, it must be good.

MarshaBradyo · 13/07/2021 10:55

Theres also a whole side issue of solidarite and doing something that is good for society as a whole that might also come into play.

Why do you think the uptake was quite low if this exists?

It’s interesting we’ve been said to be more individualistic but this step hasn’t been required here

KatharinaRosalie · 13/07/2021 10:58

I have to put my PIN in, go through to the NHS app, log in, find the right page - can't you just screenshot it? Sorry I don't know your system, the European pass is just a QR code that does not change and does not require logging into the app each time.

VoiceFaceArse · 13/07/2021 11:01

Ooodlesofboodles

The impact of many things are huge. People ignore things all the time which have a huge impact on others because it doesn’t affect them. I’d call that selfish.

It is deeply selfish and socially irresponsible not to have the vaccine if you are able to. You are putting all those who can't be vaccinated at far greater risk, and making vaccine escape more likely.

I’m so fed up of hearing this. My reasons are far from selfish.

igelkott2021 · 13/07/2021 11:01

@Ooodlesofboodles

Why shouldn't people pay for tests if they won't get vaccinated? Why should the taxpayer pay for a choice that is actively harmful to society, not just the individual?
In Germany it's been that way for ages. At the moment you don't need a test or double vaccinated for outdoor events or to sit outside at a cafe and restaurant but you do need either a negative test or double vaccination to eat/drink inside or go to indoor events

Until when? Forever? And what if you need to go inside to use the loo?

HilaryThorpe · 13/07/2021 11:01

I don't think the uptake of vaccinations is that low. Forty per cent of the whole population is now completely vaccinated. The UK figures are always for adults only. If you look at vaccinations delivered I think UK is about 80 million and France 60 million. Still playing catch-up from delayed start.

G5000 · 13/07/2021 11:02

@MarshaBradyo

Theres also a whole side issue of solidarite and doing something that is good for society as a whole that might also come into play.

Why do you think the uptake was quite low if this exists?

It’s interesting we’ve been said to be more individualistic but this step hasn’t been required here

You seem to believe UK is all good, everybody voluntarily and happily vaccinated, it's all over with this pandemic?

Just over half the UK population is fully vaccinated and just over 40% in France. Those rates are not that different and neither is sufficient for herd immunity. www.statista.com/statistics/1202074/share-of-population-vaccinated-covid-19-by-county-worldwide/

changingstages · 13/07/2021 11:04

I think it's brilliant and I'm really pleased to hear this. I hope we do something similar. I hope if we do something similar that those who are unable to have the vaccine won't be charged for testing, though.

igelkott2021 · 13/07/2021 11:04

I have to put my PIN in, go through to the NHS app, log in, find the right page - can't you just screenshot it? Sorry I don't know your system, the European pass is just a QR code that does not change and does not require logging into the app each time

No you can't screenshot it. The screenshot mechanism is actually blocked on the NHS app, they say it's for privacy reasons! However, you can download a letter, but the QR code is only valid for certain amount of time. However, it will probably be easier.

MarshaBradyo · 13/07/2021 11:04

You seem to believe UK is all good, everybody voluntarily and happily vaccinated, it's all over with this pandemic?

Eh why are you making stuff up like this. Funny

No it’s not all over with this pandemic. We are moving to next phase though.

notimagain · 13/07/2021 11:04

Why do you think the uptake was quite low if this exists

Specifically for vaccinations it’s a history of pharma here getting it wrong in the past, with resultant fallout.

I think it’s taking the government some time to get past that blocker but they’ll keep banging away with the “owe it to your neighbors, colleagues, fellow citizens” until it starts to show results.

MarshaBradyo · 13/07/2021 11:05

@notimagain

Why do you think the uptake was quite low if this exists

Specifically for vaccinations it’s a history of pharma here getting it wrong in the past, with resultant fallout.

I think it’s taking the government some time to get past that blocker but they’ll keep banging away with the “owe it to your neighbors, colleagues, fellow citizens” until it starts to show results.

Ok more relevant answer to pp thanks ;
igelkott2021 · 13/07/2021 11:06

I don't think we need it in the UK - the uptake is high here and would be even higher if eg you could use any walk in centre (some say they are for local residents only) and my GP removed the online booking option so now you have to call them (though you can of course still book on the main NHS website which is what my son did).

There are pockets where uptake isn't high, and as ever, the powers that be decide to punish the majority for the actions of a minority.

cindarellasbelly · 13/07/2021 11:07

I doubt these passports will be long-lasting for domestic access. In Ireland, they're very clear they will be a temporary measure to balance the fact that we were hoping to be re-opening based on vaccination rate, but delta means we have to adjust that slightly. So now, re-opening for people already vaccinated: its definitely problematic, and I don't think politically they'll be able to get support for it for longer than a few months.

But yes, take up rates have been huge. I don't know anyone who hasn't been getting a vaccine. The only delay has been accessibility for younger cohorts, and the hypocrisy that many young people work in service industries but won't be able to access them has been a big talking point. However, we've been in lockdown basically Jan-May, and people are absolutely desperate and this is probably the best 'compromise'. The situation in France seems to be v different and all about encouraging uptake.

LillianGish · 13/07/2021 11:09

Why do you think the uptake was quite low if this exists? I think people were quite simply waiting to be told they had to do it. Booking a vaccine in France actually required quite an effort - not just a case of being called up by your GP or making an appointment (one of the big strengths of the NHS). Certainly in my case (and the rest of the family) it required signing up to various sites to find a booking and (in the case of my kids and DH) making a bit of a journey to get the jabs. We were all very determined to get jabbed ASAP - if you weren’t so bothered it’s easy to see how you could let it slide. Also lots of French people only holiday in France so there was no great urgency in terms of travel. I’ve found all Macron’s addresses over the health crisis quite persuasive - this is what you have to do and this is why you need to do it (and if you don’t do it, this is what will happen) - it’s an approach drummed into French people from their first day at school (something which is not optional in France ie no home schooling and something for which you need to be fully vaccinated).

G5000 · 13/07/2021 11:13

I don't think we need it in the UK - the uptake is high here

Is it that high though? 52% of population vs 43% in France. See the link I posted above.
And what was it yesterday, 34 471 cases vs 1260 in France. I'm a bit puzzled what makes UK so special that it can move to next stage, opened up and restrictions and measures are apparently no longer needed?

MarshaBradyo · 13/07/2021 11:15

@LillianGish

Why do you think the uptake was quite low if this exists? I think people were quite simply waiting to be told they had to do it. Booking a vaccine in France actually required quite an effort - not just a case of being called up by your GP or making an appointment (one of the big strengths of the NHS). Certainly in my case (and the rest of the family) it required signing up to various sites to find a booking and (in the case of my kids and DH) making a bit of a journey to get the jabs. We were all very determined to get jabbed ASAP - if you weren’t so bothered it’s easy to see how you could let it slide. Also lots of French people only holiday in France so there was no great urgency in terms of travel. I’ve found all Macron’s addresses over the health crisis quite persuasive - this is what you have to do and this is why you need to do it (and if you don’t do it, this is what will happen) - it’s an approach drummed into French people from their first day at school (something which is not optional in France ie no home schooling and something for which you need to be fully vaccinated).
That makes sense. It has been really easy here. Text, accessible site, easy to book. Couldn’t have been easier I don’t think. (Well for us anyway, others may found differently)

That type of stuff is really key. I remember a behaviour person talking about removing small barriers as often it’s what stops us.

Also on uptake here there are some pockets with lower uptake, it’s a tricky one but I think headway may have been made. Not sure how France’s step would go down with all groups if it were done here.

KatharinaRosalie · 13/07/2021 11:20

I think people were quite simply waiting to be told they had to do it. Booking a vaccine in France actually required quite an effort

Some people I know just felt that the case numbers were so low they were in no hurry, and can get it in the autumn or winter instead.

Otherwise at least in my region, there were no issues getting appointments, big vaccination centres all over, just log into Doctolib and choose when and where you prefer to get your shot.

jgw1 · 13/07/2021 11:23

I think Marcon needs to have a word with Boris.

Covid is over, Boris said so, rejoice the Saj has saved us all.

IllForTooLong · 13/07/2021 11:24

@NotPregnantJustChubs

I do wonder how tightly it will be enforced. I just don’t think they have the man power to be policing it in all the restaurants.

It will be useless if this is just a token and not enforced at all.

It has already done its job. Many many people who have booked their first jab as oon as that decision was announced......

Tbh, I think they are looking at the UK and are thinking the only way to manage the delta variant is with vaccination. (And even then we still have such number of cases, its frightening. And is already putting strain on hospitals etc... before we've relaxed the rules).
I can see why they re scarred. No one wants to be bac to the huge number of deaths weve had last year (or this year too for the uk)

LillianGish · 13/07/2021 11:26

@KatharinaRosalie - that’s exactly my point really. It was up to people to to get on and make an appointment. I recently switched on my old English phone the other day to look at some photos and I had a text from the NHS telling me I was eligible for my vaccine and to make an appointment with my GP. Nothing like that here (until last night) to nudge me to get on with it.

notimagain · 13/07/2021 11:37

Some details coming out..trying to work and watch Lunchtime TV so I’m only catching bits of it.

If commentator on FR3 is correct and I heard him correctly it sounds like tests needed for restaurant entry etc only valid 48 hours.

ineedaholidaynow · 13/07/2021 11:38

Do you need or are you encouraged to do tests in workplaces in France?

Lico · 13/07/2021 11:39

*Much easier to book now ; vaccines are plentiful.

*Dual nationals living abroad can take their kids to France and get them vaccinated. No need for them to belong to the French Health Care System - Fr passport will suffice- free of charge.

Just go on any app, vitemadose etc and book an appointment.

vitemadose.covidtracker.fr/

Second jab can be had where you holiday (if in France)-no need to book.