France suspends 3,000 unvaccinated health workers
Thousands of health workers across France have been suspended without pay for failing to get vaccinated against Covid-19 ahead of a deadline this week, Health Minister Olivier Veran said Thursday.
France's national public health agency estimated last week that roughly 12 percent of hospital staff and around six percent of doctors in private practices have yet to be vaccinated.
"Some 3,000 suspensions were notified yesterday to employees at health centres and clinics who have not yet been vaccinated," Veran told RTL radio.
He added that "several dozens" had turned in their resignations rather than sign up for the jabs.
That compares with 2.7 million health workers overall, Veran said, adding that "continued healthcare is assured."
"A large number of these suspensions are only temporary" and mainly concern support staff, with "very few nurses" among those told to stay home, he said.
Based on figures provided by individual hospitals, the actual number of suspended employees could be higher.
The Paris hospital system said Thursday that 340 workers had been suspended.
Local press reports have cited large numbers at hospitals in smaller cities -- up to 450 in Nice and 100 in...