France Passes Bill on Vaccine Rules, Health Pass

PARIS - The French parliament early Monday approved a bill that will make COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for health workers as well as require a health pass in a wide array of social venues as France battles with a fourth wave of coronavirus infections.

Visitors heading to museums, cinemas or swimming pools in France are already denied entry if they cannot produce a pass showing that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or have had a recent negative test. The pass has been required for large-scale festivals or to go clubbing. Beginning in August, the pass will further be needed to enter restaurants and bars and for long-distance train and plane journeys. The measures contained in the bill are to expire November 15. A final green light from the constitutional court, the nation's top jurisdiction, will be needed before the law can take effect.