France has introduced a Covid health pass amid soaring infection numbers.

As from Wednesday, people in France will require proof of vaccination, a negative coronavirus test or recent recovery from the virus to be permitted entry into the majority of cinemas and museums.

A subsequent decision is due to be made by lawmakers on whether to extend the use of the Covid pass next month for entry to cafes, restaurants and shopping centres, BBC reports.

Earlier this week, France’s Health Minister Olivier Véran reported as many as 18,000 new coronavirus cases in just 24 hours.

This is compared to less than 7,000 per day last week – representing a rise of 150% - as the Delta variant of the virus rampages throughout the country.

Véran told the National Assembly: "We have never seen this before," adding Delta has resulted in much larger increases in cases than past variants.

The plans for the health pass were unveiled earlier this month by President Emmanuel Macron, along with mandatory vaccinations for all health workers by September.

The president said at the time: "I am aware of what I am asking of you, and I know that you are ready for this commitment, this is part, in a way, of your sense of duty.”

However, Macron’s plans have been met with controversy, as protests against the new regulations led to two vaccination centres being vandalised this week.

According to a number of surveys, there is extensive Covid vaccine hesitancy in France. A study carried out by Ipsos at the end of last year showed just 40% of those polled in France were planning to have the vaccine.