France pulls out the big guns!

[NotPregnantJustChubs]

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…

I think negative tests and vaccine proof are very good ideas for big events. I want to go to concerts and theatres and would far rather they were open on the proviso visitors don't currently have the disease than closed or at 1/4 capacity with no atmosphere.

Proof of vaccine certainly doesn’t mean haven’t got the disease. And a test 24 hours ago doesn’t mean you don’t have it when going to a concert 24 hours later.

It is an awful awful plan. People should be really worried about him thinking this is a way forward.

Over 12s have been eligible for vaccination for several weeks.
Health workers and people who work with the vulnerable must be vaccinated by September 15th or they will not be allowed to work.
Charging for tests does not apply to health reasons. Currently for foreign visitors the cost is 29€ for antigen and 49€ for PCR.
I thought Macron's speech was very clear and I fully support the measures. I do think it helps that the health minister is a doctor.

[quote DumplingsAndStew]@jasjas1973

UK can't, no ID card, so proof is on a phone, which many do not have.

As said, many times, including in this thread - the UK don't have proof on a phone. Those in England, whose surgery have registered for it, have proof on a phone.[/quote]
True but my point was we cannot do the same as France or any other european country.

@Marchitectmummy

It's not just France as others have said its quite a few now. Ultimately tbe anti vaxers have brought this on its not surprise. It will be here soon.

I think we’ll probably close everything down again before we introduce this. Eventually they’ll realise, but I think we’ve got at least 1 more lockdown left before the penny drops.

@HalzTangz

I think many countries including England will do this

Your kidding right Boris hasn’t got the back bone to do anything unpopular and I actually don’t think it would do a great deal anyway . Nightclubs have already said they are not doing the Covid passport because he’s made it voluntary.

He is also pretty stupid...any long term side effects, any deaths, the blood will be on his hands focrcing people to do this. I cannot imagine any sane person wanting to do this..he must be hoping that his rantings are enough to force people to have the vaccine (which is an issue in itself).

@VoiceFaceArse

I think negative tests and vaccine proof are very good ideas for big events. I want to go to concerts and theatres and would far rather they were open on the proviso visitors don't currently have the disease than closed or at 1/4 capacity with no atmosphere.

Proof of vaccine certainly doesn’t mean haven’t got the disease. And a test 24 hours ago doesn’t mean you don’t have it when going to a concert 24 hours later.

No but its better than turning up with nothing at all .....and no mask!

Whats the alternative?

@HilaryThorpe

Over 12s have been eligible for vaccination for several weeks. Health workers and people who work with the vulnerable must be vaccinated by September 15th or they will not be allowed to work. Charging for tests does not apply to health reasons. Currently for foreign visitors the cost is 29€ for antigen and 49€ for PCR. I thought Macron's speech was very clear and I fully support the measures. I do think it helps that the health minister is a doctor.

How long do the results of the test give you entry if you are a foreign visitor?

Say two week holiday with a teen, is it just one for them at beginning then ok to go in all places?

Currently for foreign visitors the cost is 29€ for antigen and 49€ for PCR.

A lot of people wouldn’t be able to afford those prices especially multiple times. It will just force the poorest out of society. Shameful.

I do think it helps that the health minister is a doctor.

I think that’s worse. A doctor trying to force people into treatment. Just awful really.

@MarshaBradyo

Say two week holiday with a teen, is it just one for them at beginning then ok to go in all places?

Not announced yet…The President does the sweeping statement in speeches such as the one last night, “we” only get to see the fine detail when it goes to the legislators for debate, which should be starting today.

Like others here I support his proposals.

I think it's a great move. I'm hoping to visit in August (with teens). This makes me feel much safer. We spend very little time indoors. If we eat out, we sit on the terrace. I find the idea of soaring infection rates and the possibility of unvaccinated family members catching the virus much more off-putting than not being able to dine inside.

Charging for the tests is not on. People who can’t or have chosen not to be vaccinated shouldn’t be discriminated against in this way. I don’t see an issue with the other criteria.

This is wrong, whichever country is doing it (I know Denmark already is).

I can kind of see the point for nightclubs (maybe - and it wouldn't affect me as I never go to one) but having to show one to go into a cafe or restaurant would annoy me enough for me to stick to takeaways or eating outside (I assume you wouldn't need one to sit outside?).

I also wonder how long this will go on for, and whether it will carry on. Which country will be brave enough to remove the requirement first? And will it ever be removed for international travel?

The test will still be free if you're having symptoms or have been a contact case, just not if you're only having it because you want to go to a restaurant or concert.

Thats pretty easy to get around. Most people lie now to get a test. I've had to on advice from my GP who wanted me to test for cold symptoms, I could just as easily have got one with no symptoms by ticking a box 🤷‍♀️.

No but its better than turning up with nothing at all .....and no mask!

Yes I agree, I was just saying that it doesn’t mean people don’t have the disease. I think masks and social distancing needs to stay in busy venues regardless of vaccination status to protect the vulnerable. It’s not ok to just make it that vulnerable people can’t take part in things like concerts. The charging for tests is appalling as that removes poorer people from society too or forces them into a vaccination they may not want.

A lot of people wouldn’t be able to afford those prices especially multiple times. It will just force the poorest out of society. Shameful.

But vaccination will remain free for those registered in the French healthcare system.

Thats pretty easy to get around. Most people lie now to get a test.

Yes, I said that earlier. I’d be having symptoms whenever I wanted to go somewhere if it was brought in here. 🤷🏻‍♀️

But vaccination will remain free for those registered in the French healthcare system.

Any medical procedure should be a choice. It’s not a choice if people feel there’s no alternative because they’re priced out of the only alternative. But if it’s free if you’re having symptoms, it’s not such a big thing. People will simply be forced into lying, better that than forced to have a vaccine that they don’t want.

[quote DumplingsAndStew]@KihoBebiluPute

I agree that vaccinations for vulnerable 12-17 years old should be available to those who want them.
I'm not sure I agree with paying for them, tbh, as those who have medically vulnerable children are often also those who can't work paid employment, and are dependent on the likes of Carers Allowance and therefore often the cohort less able to pay for private healthcare.[/quote]
I was under the impression that medically vulnerable 12-17 year olds are already included in who can get a free vaccine on the nhs. The "who can get a vaccine" pages on .gov.uk say iirc anyone over the age of 18, plus anyone clinically vulnerable or a carer etc etc. I am only suggesting that they should be available privately to those who have no reason to qualify under that kind of category, if the government decides it's never going to roll out the vaccine to the bulk of healthy teenagers with no additional vulnerabilities.

They want this situation to end and can see that vaccination is the only way out.

The anti vax never have an alternative option - are we supposed to lock down on and off forever, settle for restrictions forever?

@PopcornMuncher

Fantastic and the anti vaxers can do one!

What about people who are not anti vaxers but don't want this vaccine?

face palm not here so have a

Bloody hell-who is vaccinating their kids??!!! Have you not looked at what has happened in the US?! You are truly insane. Poor poor kids.

@KihoBebiluPute

I think those CEV aged 16 or 17 can currently access it if advised to be a health professional, but as far as I know that's the limit of it right now.