The French parliament approved a tightening of the country's coronavirus rules early on Monday, after an extended debate.
The changes will introduce compulsory vaccination for health workers and the obligation to provide proof of a negative coronavirus test, vaccination against Covid-19 or recovery from the disease for access to some venues will be extended. Prime Minister Jean Castex welcomed the new regulations.
The changes are controversial. More than 160,000 people nationwide took to the streets to protest them on Saturday, according to the Interior Ministry.
There were riots on the fringes of the demonstrations, with people raging against the vaccination pass and compulsory vaccination. There were numerous arrests.
From August onwards, a pass that shows proof of a negative coronavirus test, vaccination or recovery will also be required for travel on long-distance trains, or going to bars or restaurants.
France is currently fighting a fourth wave of the coronavirus: Of the approximately 67 million inhabitants, about 40 million have had at least one vaccination.
Source: DPA
