© Philippe Lopez/AFP via Getty Images
Unvaccinated citizens of France and Italy are set to face tighter restrictions after officials ruled in favor of COVID-19 health passes
for those attempting to enter restaurants, bars, and hospitals, as well as travel.
In France, the country's top constitutional authority on Aug. 5 agreed with most aspects of a new law that requires citizens to carry a special COVID-19 health pass from next week onwards.
A health pass is only given to those who have been fully vaccinated,
recently recovered from an infection, or recently tested negative from the virus.
The new restrictions mean residents will only be allowed to access cafes, restaurants,
and, in some cases, hospitals, if they show the health pass.
While the pass has been in effect in France since July 21 for cultural and recreational venues, including cinemas, concert halls, and theme parks with capacity for more than 50 people,
the new law vastly extends its application.
The Constitutional Council also ruled Thursday that the passes would be
required for long-distance travel by train, plane, or bus,
The Associated Press reported.
It also approved a ruling that
health care workers should be vaccinated against the virus by Sept. 15 and hospital visitors will also require a health pass.
Comment: As one can see from SouthFront's sitrep map, the Taliban are methodically gaining control of Afghanistan's borders to countries that are at least not unsympathetic to their cause. It can only be hoped that Russia, China, and perhaps Iran, will act as a moderating influence.