PARIS – France reported 271,686 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours on Tuesday, the largest daily total since the epidemic began in the country. According to the French Public Health Agency, there are presently 20,186 Covid-19 patients in hospitals, with 3,665 of them in intensive care.

In a speech to the French National Assembly on Tuesday afternoon, Health Minister Olivier Veran emphasised the importance of vaccination, stating that immunisation helps people avoid developing severe symptoms.

After a majority of MPs in the lower house agreed to postpone the late-night session, debate on the vaccine pass law was suspended in parliament after midnight on Monday. If implemented, the vaccine pass law would make it essential to present proof of vaccination before entering restaurants, movies, or other public places, and would eliminate the possibility of displaying a recent negative test. The suspension of deliberations on the draught bill by the National Assembly, according to Prime Minister Jean Castex, was "irresponsible."

The term of self-isolation in France has been shortened. If a negative PCR test result or a negative antigen test result is presented after the five days, the seven-day self-isolation can be reduced to five days with a full vaccination plan.

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