‘Several dozens’ of health workers in France reportedly resigned instead of following the latest vaccine mandate.
France was one of the most “vaccine-skeptical” nations when the COVID-19 vaccines first emerged. But, this has since changed, especially after the introduction of the “health pass” in July.
To date, more than 60 percent of the country’s population have completed their vaccinations. Meanwhile, over 70 percent have already taken at least one jab.
Apart from the “health pass,” President Emmanuel Macron also released a vaccine mandate for the country’s health workers. He said that they should get at least one dose of the vaccine by September 15 or face unpaid suspension.
Suspension without pay for unvaccinated health workers
3,000 health workers have been suspended after failing to observe the mandate, according to BBC. The notice surfaced when the order came into force on Wednesday.
The vaccine directive covers the 2.7 million healthcare workers of France. This applies to all doctors, nurses, volunteers, and office staff.
French Health Minister Olivier Véran noted, however, that the suspensions are “only temporary” for most of them. He stated that many workers are now getting the jabs because they see the “vaccination mandate” has come into reality.
The health official added that the suspensions affected a “few white coats” but mainly the support staff. There have been dozens of resignations, as well, across the country.
Disruption to healthcare services
During the same engagement, Olivier Véran assured the continuity, security, and quality of care in all “medico-social facilities” and hospitals across France. This comes as fears loom among the public toward a possible disruption to the country’s healthcare services.
Reports said that in just one hospital in Nice, the suspensions affected nearly 450 workers. This has since sparked protests outside the facility.
Similarly, a hospital in Montélimar had reportedly begun cancelling non-urgent operations. This is because of the shortage of vaccinated anaesthetists, as per AFP News Agency.
The Daily Mail reported, as well, that the actual number of suspended employees could be higher. This comes after the available data points to nearly 1,500 suspensions at just over a dozen hospitals.
Vaccine mandates outside France
France is only one of the nations that introduced COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Outside the country, a few more have also laid down rules for their respective unvaccinated eligible populations.
On Monday, Greece enforced its latest vaccine mandate for the unvaccinated public and private sector employees. The week prior, the United States made the COVID-19 jabs mandatory for over 100 million workers.
Italy, a neighbor to France, is also imposing an anti-COVID green pass for all employees starting this October. This reportedly means that workers who cannot show either proof of vaccination or a valid negative COVID-19 test will be penalised.
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