Emmanuel Macron admitted this Thursday evening to ease antiquity restrictions in France. if epidemic numbers continue to benefit, but one measure to protect the French is controversial despite the apparently minimal negative impact.
Since Wednesday, the French government has imposed a vaccination process on health sector professionals, at least in progress, so that they can work. lack of vaccine against COVID led to the suspension of three thousand specialists, in the accounts of Minister Oliver Veran.
The number of suspensions on the accounts of the health portfolio holder is insignificant: about 0.12% of a combined 2.5 million health or healthcare professionals…
“Responsibly, healthcare workers have been vaccinated to protect themselves and to protect patients. On the first day of compulsory vaccination this measure has ensured continuity, safety and quality of care in our hospitals and at home.“Veran wrote in a social media post linked to Thursday morning’s video interview.
On the other hand, for unvaccinated healthcare workers, a suspension letter was expected at the same time as the interview. So it was with Melanie Pellisia, the medical secretary.
“This is it,” Melanie said as she left the Saint-Antoine Hospital in Paris with a letter in hand: “I am suspended”.
“Today I have no rights other than the right to social security if something happens to me. I am no longer recognized in my role“, – says the touched nurse, not vaccinated against Covid-19.
Despite the perceived minimal impact on healthcare professionals, this imposition by the French government has exposed another problem in the sector: the strengthening of staff in some hospitals affected by the suspension.
“We tried to get some employees back. We asked those who we have if they agree to work overtime, ”says an unidentified employee at a hospital in Montpellier.
However, this Thursday France announced epidemic improvement trend 8,128 new cases were registered in 24 hours, down 2,000 from Thursday last week.
The country is still hospitalized 9,297 “patients with coronavirus”, including 1,952 in intensive care units.
In terms of vaccination, French health authorities have indicated that nearly 50 million people have at least one dose of the vaccine, including 47.2 million (67%) fully vaccinated…
In Italy, a similar measure was also implemented this week to boost vaccinations in the country, but in Europe’s boot, the introduction extends to healthcare workers and requires them to present a valid Covid certificate to work.
Only 728 Italian health professionals were suspended from classes this Thursday for lack of a health certificate.
Portugal leads the world in vaccinations
In Portugal, where the vaccination plan is enjoying great success and more than 80% of the population is already protected from Covid-19, or at least with the process started, there was no need to make vaccination mandatory for any workers.
This Thursday, Prime Minister Antonio Costa praised the “strong commitment of the population. [à vacinação], the commitment of health professionals and the effective implementation of the vaccination strategy. “
The head of the Portuguese government believes that all together is helping to ensure that “Portugal becomes one of the countries in the world with the highest vaccination rate against Covid-19 +,” in a process led by Vice Admiral Gouveia and Melo since February this year.
However, in a post on Twitter, Antonio Costa warned, based on what he heard in a meeting with Infarmed experts, that the epidemic is not in the past and that the attack on SARS-CoV-2 must continue.
“Each of us must maintain the rules of protection so that we can continue to fight the virus,” concluded the Prime Minister.
In the labor sector, in August the president of the Portuguese Business Association (AEP) acknowledged in statements to the RTP that while companies cannot prevent unvaccinated employees from accessing work, current law only leaves room for hiring. people already vaccinated against Covid-19, for example, under the protection of third parties.
In the Labor Code noted at the time by the digital newspaper ECOstates that “in addition to the situations provided for by the legislation on occupational safety and health, the employer cannot for admission purposes […] at work, require a job seeker […] performing or submitting tests or medical examinationsof any nature to prove a physical or mental condition, unless they are intended for the protection and safety of the employee or third parties, or when it is justified by special requirements inherent in the activity, and in any case, the appropriate justification must be provided in writing to the candidate for the job or employee. “
