Aug 13, 2021 - World

French officials call for increased security at vaccine sites amid vandalism

Kierra Frazier

People continue their protests for the fourth week in a row after the highest constitutional authority in France ruled in favor of controversial measures for a COVID-19 "health pass". — People continue their protests for the fourth week in a row after the highest constitutional authority in France ruled in favor of measures for a COVID-19 "health pass." Photo: Alaattin Dogru/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

France leaders are calling for increased security at vaccination centers and pharmacies across the country as thousands of people protest against the government's COVID-19 health policy pass, the New York Times reports.

Driving the news: Local authorities in France have found 22 cases of vandalism since July 12 at vaccine sites, including Nazi symbols and bomb threats, per Reuters.

The protests and vandalism come after France approved a law mandating universal vaccinations for health workers and pandemic passes for all restaurants and domestic travel.

The big picture: France has seen a rise of COVID-19 cases in previous weeks due to the more infectious Delta variant. The country now sees more than 22,000 cases per day, per Reuters.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said perpetrators will be severely punished but so far no major arrests have been made, per Reuters.
"Attacking our health care professionals is an attack on the nation," French health minister Oliver Véran wrote in a letter.

Go deeper: Protests against vaccines, COVID restrictions, span the globe

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French officials call for increased security at vaccine sites amid vandalism

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