Macron appeals for French unity in virus fight

French President Emmanuel Macron applauds as he watches the Olympic basketball game between France and the US in Tokyo (Jeff Roberson/AP)

French President Emmanuel Macron has appealed for national unity to fight the resurgent coronavirus, and lashed out at those fuelling anti-vaccination sentiment and protests.

About 160,000 people protested around France on Saturday against a special Covid-19 pass for restaurants and mandatory vaccinations for health workers.