The French parliament on Monday approved strict coronavirus rules for the country, after an extended debate.

The changes would introduce compulsory vaccination for health workers and the obligation to provide proof of a negative coronavirus test.

Vaccination against COVID-19 or recovery from the disease for access to some venues would be extended, Prime Minister Jean Castex welcomed the new regulations.

The changes were controversial. More than 160,000 people nationwide took to the streets to protest on Saturday, according to the Interior Ministry.

There were riots on the fringes of the demonstrations, with people raging against the vaccination pass and compulsory vaccination. There were numerous arrests.

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From August onwards, a pass that shows proof of a negative coronavirus test, vaccination, or recovery would also be required for travel on long-distance trains or going to bars or restaurants.

France was currently fighting a fourth wave of the coronavirus of the approximately 67 million inhabitants, about 40 million have had at least one vaccination.