French President Emmanuel Macron announced Tuesday that all citizens aged 65 or over would be required to get a booster shot to remain eligible for a vaccine passport. Those without passports will not be allowed into restaurants, museums, public transports, and other public places. The new mandate will go into effect on Dec. 15.
The measure is part of Macron's bid to tighten key COVID-19 restrictions ahead of the elections and as new cases continue to surge across France and other European countries. Apart from the new requirement, Macron also urged the rest of the public to get vaccinated so they could "lead normal lives."
Macron has repeatedly called on the public to get vaccinated, particularly those who haven't gotten a single shot yet. This is the ninth time he has addressed the public about the issue. With over 119,000 deaths across the country, Macron pleaded with citizens to be "responsible" and to show solidarity.
With 69% of the population completely vaccinated, France has one of the highest immunization rates in the world. However, new cases and hospital admissions have still increased in recent weeks. Every day in hospitals, an average of 40 deaths are recorded, a 60% rise over the previous seven days but still a tenth of the amount a year earlier when no vaccinations were available.
The virus has resurfaced in France, the latest European country to be affected by the spread of the Delta variant. This month, Germany saw a spike in cases, and the UK is now in the midst of a new wave of infections.
Earlier in the week, the World Health Organization warned that Europe has once again become the epicenter of the pandemic, with half a million people potentially dying from the virus in the coming months if the spread is left uncontrolled.
Macron encouraged the French public to maintain their vigilance. He particularly cited some establishments not following protocols in requiring patrons to present proof of vaccinations before being allowed to dine inside.
Despite being touted as a public address about the pandemic, Macron's 27-minute speech seemed like it was a campaign rally. Macron outlined his ambitions for a prospective second term and assessed his presidency's successes.
The global crisis had derailed some of Macron's initial plans for his term, including revamping France's pension system and reducing government expenditure.
