Foreigners must be vaccinated with COVID-19 to compete


French Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu announced on January 17 that all athletes, including foreign athletes, will not be exempt from the COVID-19 vaccine in order to participate in French sporting events.

This announcement will be made after the French Parliament approves the Vaccine Pass Act on 16 January. The law imposes drastic restrictions on those who are unable to provide evidence of vaccination against COVID-19.

“The vaccination pass has been adopted. As soon as the law is promulgated, public buildings (stadiums) that are already covered by the health pass for all spectators, practitioners, French or foreign professionals. , Theater, or lounge) is required. ”Maracineanu announcement For each Google Translate of the statement on Twitter.

“Thanks to the sports movement for the last rare unvaccinated conviction work. We will work together to stay competitive and be the ambassador of these measures at the international level.”

Her latest statement reinforces a previous statement from the French Sports Ministry on the same day that there is no exemption from the new vaccine pass law, doubting whether Novak Djokovic is currently ranked number one in the world by the Tennis Association. Increasingly expert — you can defend his title at the French Open.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic will practice at Rod Laver Arena prior to the Australian Open Tennis Championships on January 12, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. Associated Press Photo / Mark Baker)

Earlier, Malacineanu told radio station France Information that Djokovic had a chance to enter under the health protocol of a major event.

“There is a health protocol imposed on major events by the relevant federations that allow someone like Novak Djokovic to enter the country,” she said on January 7. Reported AFP..

“In France today, there are no immigration restrictions for athletes or citizens of other countries in the same country as Australia,” she said at the time. “Unvaccinated athletes are allowed to attend the event as they are permitted by the protocol, which is the health bubble for these major events.”

Djokovic is unable to defend his title at the Australian Open, which began on January 17th. He left Australia on January 16th after his visa was canceled by Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke.

Djokovic is a “non-vaccinated celebrity” and the public feels against vaccination, even though Hawk poses a “negligible risk” for a 34-year-old tennis player to infect the coronavirus. Claimed to be able to stir. You may refuse to be vaccinated or get a booster shot. An Australian government lawyer said Djokovic could become a “free choice icon” if allowed to stay.

Legal experts said the final decision in this case could set a “dangerous” case that could further undermine freedom of speech.

Mimi Nguyen Lee

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Mimi Nguyen Ly is a reporter and assignment editor. She covers world news with a focus on US news. She is based in Australia and has a background in clinical optometry. Contact Mimi at [email protected]