In France, the number of COVID-19 patients who require hospitalization in intensive care units is increasing. Last Saturday, there were 1000 of them, during the week this number increased by another 500 people. On the last 24 hours, 32 people infected with the coronavirus died. At the same time, for the fourth weekend in a row, the French took to the streets to protest against the mandatory sanitary passes.
Coronavirus infection was confirmed in 25,755 people in France on Saturday. 482 patients were admitted to hospitals, 136 of whom were admitted to intensive care units. The number of patients staying in hospitals increased to 8,425. On Saturday, 1,510 patients were treated in intensive care units. This is 52 more than on Friday. In the last good, 32 patients died. Thus, the death toll from the coronavirus in France has risen to 112,222 since the start of the pandemic.
During the last day in this country, 441,191 vaccinations were performed, of which 242,047 with the first dose. 44,655,607 people (66.2 percent of the population) have received at least one dose since the start of the pandemic. 37,153,307 people (55.1 percent of the population) are fully vaccinated.
Vaccinations in FrancePAP / EPA
Against sanitary passes
Meanwhile, on Saturday – the fourth weekend in a row – the French protested against mandatory sanitary passes, French media reported. The demonstration took place the day after another call by President Emmanuel Macron for vaccination. The demonstrators carried the flags of the republic and banners with the slogans “Freedom!”, “Macron, we don’t want your passes!” According to media reports, there were also vaccinated people among the protesters, but opposed to the policy of passes.
Demonstrations took place mainly in the south of the country, including in Toulon, Nice and Marseille. As the French media also recalled, at least 204,000 demonstrators took to the streets of France last Saturday, July 31.
Until now, a sanitary pass informing about full vaccination against COVID-19 or having a negative test was obligatory for people going to places of culture and entertainment, but from Monday it will also be required in cafes, shops, exhibitions, restaurants and trains, but not in the subway and suburban transport. Government spokesman Gabriel Attal said the passes are to be valid until November 15.
Germany recognized the south of France as a high-risk area
On Friday Germany’s federal government has declared large parts of southern France a high-risk area due to the rising number of coronavirus infections. The regions most affected by COVID-19 are Occitania, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and the Mediterranean island of Corsica, according to the Robert Koch Institute.
Many of the destinations that are popular with German holidaymakers and tourists are located in these three regions. Including, but not limited to, the entire Mediterranean coast with Cannes and Nice, Provence or the large cities of Marseille and Toulouse.
The revised classification entered into force on Sunday. This means that persons entering Germany from these regions who cannot present a vaccination or recovery certificate will be quarantined for at least five days.
Main photo source: PAP / EPA