The French government faces a stand-off with tens of thousands of health workers and carers over a new rule requiring them to receive a Covid-19 vaccine or face suspension without pay, AFP reports.

Starting today, hospital staff, ambulance drivers, retirement home workers, private doctors, fire service members and people caring for the elderly or infirm in their homes — some 2.7 million people in total — must be able to prove they have had at least one shot of a vaccine.

President Emmanuel Macron issued the ultimatum two months ago, but tens of thousands of carers remain unvaccinated.