The interior ministry of France said that 110,000 fake French health passes were in circulation. There are hundreds of investigations underway against their users and makers.

Access to restaurants, public transportation, and cultural events requires a health pass that shows proof of Covid recovery, vaccinations, or other evidence.

Police have discovered that some medical personnel are complicit in fraud as they conduct investigations into distributors and users of fake documents.

Some 110,000 fake health passes are in circulation in France, the interior ministry said Thursday, with hundreds of investigations launched against the makers and users of the forged documents. Pictured: Security personnel check a COVID-19 health pass to access a Christmas market in Strasbourg, eastern France, December 3, 2021 [file photo]

The interior ministry of France said that 110,000 fake French health certificates are currently in circulation. The agency also stated that hundreds of investigations have already been launched to find out who made and used these fake cards. Pictured: Security personnel check a COVID-19 health pass to access a Christmas market in Strasbourg, eastern France, December 3, 2021 [file photo]

He explained to France 2 that fake health cards often include the collaboration of real doctors and nurses. It makes it’very difficult’ to prove offences.

Although 110,000 counterfeit health cards are in circulation at the moment, they did not disclose how they knew that number.  

Darmanin stated that around 100 people were arrested in 400 investigations, which took place since public health passes became compulsory.

The risk of imprisonment for them is up to 5 years, he stated, noting that many have already been sent to actual or suspended jail sentences.

The Paris Region’s doctor was detained and charged with selling fake Paris health certificates.

Darmanin stated that he supported dropping charges against fake health pass users who agreed to obtain a legal one.

France’s government warned that Covid patients could be inintensive care for as many as 4,000 Christmas Eve, up from 3,000 right now.

France reported on Tuesday over 63,400 positive Covid tests, the highest figure since April, while almost 2,800 people are in intensive care with the illness. Pictured: A graph showing the seven-day rolling average of new Covid-19 cases in France

France on Tuesday reported over 63.400 positive Covid test results, which is the highest level since April. However, nearly 2,800 patients are still in intensive care for the disease. The graph below shows the 7-day average number of Covid-19 new cases in France.

Pictured: A graph showing the seven-day rolling average of new coronavirus deaths in France

 Pictured: A graph showing the seven-day rolling average of new coronavirus deaths in France

It has been promoting the use of booster vaccines to combat the Omicron-related outbreak.

The new rules meant that over-65s in France without their Covid-19 booster jabs lost their health pass yesterday.  

According to the government, around 400,000 seniors 65 years and older who could be eligible for the booster shot are still not having it administered. This is 12 percent and 10% respectively of people 65-79 and 65-79.

The QR code generated by a smartphone app will automatically disable the activation of the booster shot for people over 65 who do not take it up.

It will apply to all ages and expand on the already tight European health pass system. 

For people who don’t have boosters, the only alternative is to obtain one.

France already has 16 million booster shots, and it is optimistic of reaching the 20 million mark by Christmas.

Experts believe the booster can be used to defeat the Omicron variant. It spreads quicker than other Covid variants, and is expected to become dominant in Europe within the next few days.

France on Tuesday reported over 63.400 positive Covid test results, its highest level since April. Meanwhile, nearly 2,800 patients are being treated intensively for this illness.

France has double-vaccinated over 76% of the population. Children deemed to be at high risk may get injected starting Wednesday. The vaccines will soon open to children who are not yet fully vaccinated.