French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday announced that people will be required to provide health passes from August proving they have produced a negative COVID-19 test result or have been fully vaccinated recently before they can access various establishments including restaurants, bars, cafés and shopping centres.

The measures are part of a raft of restrictions Macron announced with an aim of slowing the spread of the virus.

"If we do not act today, the number of cases will continue to increase," France 24 quotes the French President.

Macron also urged health workers to get vaccinated by September 15, noting that vaccination will be mandatory for workers in the sector.

He also announced that a vaccination drive for high school, secondary school and primary school students will begin when school starts again in September.

By Monday, France had reported 5,875,337 COVID-19 infections with 111,520 deaths, according to data from the John Hopkins University.

Macron hopes the country can contain the pandemic to allow for economic recovery.

(With input from France 24)