Macron calls for unity after anti-vaccine protests

KUWAIT, July 25 (KUNA) -- French President Emmanuel Macron appealed on Sunday for national unity and mass vaccination to fight the resurgent virus (COVID-19).
During his visit to a hospital in French Polynesia, he stated that "protesters are free to express themselves in a calm and respectful manner", adding that demonstrations won't make the coronavirus go away.
He pointed out that the Delta Variant is spreading rapidly in the country to more than 80 percent of positive cases, warning that the rise in cases will continue in the coming weeks.
About 160,000 people protested around France on Saturday against a special COVID-19 pass for restaurants and mandatory vaccinations for health workers. (end) mjz.gaa