A new coronavirus
variant is likely to emerge later this year, the top advisors of the French
government warned on Friday. Jean-Francois Delfraissy, the head of the French
government’s scientific council, said he could not predict whether the variant would
be more dangerous, or what its consequences could be, but said COVID-19 had “relatively
limited” ability to mutate.

France is currently
grappling with an unprecedented surge in cases, fueled by the more contagious Delta
variant of the coronavirus, first detected in India in October last year.

“We will
probably have another variant arrive during the winter,” Delfraissy told the
BFM news channel. “The big challenge for the next couple of years will be how
are we going to co-exist, with two worlds: countries that are vaccinated and
those that are not,” he added.

The infectious
disease specialist also urged the French people to abide by social distancing and
mask-wearing norms, saying a “return to normal” can be expected by 2022 or
2023.

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The
government’s strategy to contain the current fourth wave of cases is based on
the introduction of a “health pass” system that requires people to
show proof of vaccination or a negative test when entering public venues.

Since
Wednesday, cinemas, museums, swimming pools and sports venues have been
required to ask patrons for their health credentials, leading to criticism from
some that it restricts the freedoms of the non-vaccinated.

Also Read | How France is coping with its fourth wave of COVID infections

The lower
house of parliament approved a draft law early Friday morning that will extend
the system to cafes and restaurants from next month, and make vaccinations
mandatory for health and social care workers from September.

The
legislation will now be examined during an emergency session by the upper house
senate, with the government hoping for approval by the end of the weekend.