A new regulation in France extending the use of a health pass to a wider range of public places will come into effect on August 9 to help the country battle with the fourth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, France government spokesperson Gabriel Attal said.

Under the law, only people who have completed their vaccination, tested negative or recently recovered from Covid-19 will be permitted to enter restaurants and cafes, and go to shopping centres, gymnasiums and even hospitals barring emergencies, according to reports. "The health pass is a small tool that can save many lives. It is the best way to protect our freedom and ensure that our country remains open," Attal told the press on Wednesday after a cabinet meeting. The use of the health pass has been compulsory since July 21 in cultural and leisure venues (cinemas, museums, etc.) where more than 50 people gather.

As on date, 50.5 percent of the French population, or 34 million people, have completed their vaccination against Covid-19. Last day, the number of new daily infections hit a three-month high at 26,871, the health authorities said. The country's overall caseload and death toll currently stood at 6,116,711 and 111,923.

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