French healthcare workers fined at Paris hospital protest
- Published
Protesters were calling for better conditions for healthcare workers
At least 50 healthcare workers were fined and three people arrested for a protest outside a hospital in Paris.
More than 400 doctors, nurses and ancillary staff wore scrubs and banged trays and pans to demand better funding for the hospital, which French media report is in financial difficulty.
The demonstrators were breaking social distancing rules, police have said.
Officers demanded that the protesters disperse, and gave those who refused a €135 ($150; £120) on-the-spot fine.
Protesters called for pay rises, and demanded reforms for better working conditions for healthcare workers.
Footage posted on social media shows large crowds banging on the doors of the hospital, while waving banners of support.
Allow Twitter content?
This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.
Robert Debré Hospital, in the north of the city, was already having financial problems before the coronavirus outbreak, local news outlet France Info reports.
However, the epidemic has further exposed the hospital's funding issues.
In speeches delivered at the protest, healthcare workers described being overworked, while describing their fear of catching and transmitting the virus themselves, another outlet France Bleu reports.
France started easing its lockdown earlier this month, with shops and primary schools reopening. However, Paris remains under tight controls.
THE R NUMBER: What it means and why it matters
GLOBAL SPREAD: Tracking the pandemic
RECOVERY: How long does it take to get better?
A SIMPLE GUIDE: What are the symptoms?
VACCINE: How close are we to finding one?
- Published11 May 2020
- Published5 May 2020
- Published27 April 2020
