France has suspended 3,000 health workers without pay for refusing the Covid vaccine.
The health minister, Olivier Véran, said the staff had been notified in writing before the September deadline imposed by the government to have at least one dose.
Véran said “several dozen” had resigned rather than have the vaccine, but with an estimated 2.7 million health workers in France, “continued healthcare is assured”, he said.
Recall that in July, President Macron told staff at hospitals, retirement and care homes as well as those in the fire service to be partially or fully vaccinated. According to the communique, September 15th was the deadline.
The French health authority, Santé Publique, estimates fewer than 12% of hospital staff and about 6% of doctors in private practice have not been vaccinated, The Guardian reports.
Also, Thierry Schifano, the president of the Fédération Nationale de la Mobilité Sanitaire ( the National Federation for Health Mobility), said 13% of ambulance and health vehicle drivers were not vaccinated “and don’t want to be”.
The health minister said that a large number of these suspension will be temporary. Those affected are mostly personnel in support service, like those working in laundry or food preparation.” Very few doctors and nurses remained unvaccinated, he added.
