The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, has announced the mandatory wearing of face masks and the reopening of the Promenade des Anglais to pedestrians. Speaking at a press conference this morning, the mayor announced a list of measures, including the compulsory wearing of face masks when out in public in Nice between 8am and 8pm, as from 11 May. The measure will be in place initially until 2 June. Joggers may run without wearing a mask but are required to have a mask in their pocket. The mayor said that the Promenade des Anglais will reopen to pedestrians on May 11th as will all parks in the city of Nice. A reopening of beaches is planned at the moment for May 16th but this date isn't yet certain and is subject to the first stage of deconfinement going well. Children’s play areas will remain closed as will all municipal swimming pools and sports facilities, with the exception of tennis clubs. Food markets can reopen from Tuesday, May 12th. All cemeteries will be reopening on Monday. The mayor said that ports will be exclusively reserved for leisure and local navigation use with no cruise lines allowed.
David Lisnard, the Mayor of Cannes, has sent a letter to the Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes requesting authorization to access the coastline. The letter was co-signed by the mayors of Mandelieu-la-Napoule and Theoule-sur-Mer. In the letter, various restrictions are proposed in the event of the coastline being reopened, including a distance of at least 10 metres between people and the prohibition of picnics. Access to the water would be made possible for swimming, scuba diving and individual nautical sports. The proposals would be limited to walking alone, or as a couple, or as parents with children, and it would not be possible to stay in one place. Police officers would be assigned to ensure observance of the measures. Meanwhile, the Regional Prefect, Pierre Dartout, has announced that a meeting will be held tomorrow to discuss the issue of reopening beaches in the Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur region.
French Secretary of State to the Ministry of the Economy and Finance, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, has said that as of May 11, 200 million masks per week will be arriving in France, a figure which she said was enough to cover all needs. She also reiterated that masks could be bought at pharmacists, tobacco shops and retailers.
The French government has announced that a bonus of 1,500 euros will be paid to workers in nursing homes in the 33 departments worst affected by the virus outbreak. A bonus of 1,000 euros will be paid to nursing home workers in other departments.
One of the largest shopping centres in our region, Cap3000 in St Laurent du Var, has announced that it will reopen on Monday. The centre says that 85% of its stores will be reopening. Safety measure will be put in place, including the limiting of shoppers to one customer per 15 square metres of space, the installation of numerous hydro-alcoholic gel dispensers and the mandatory wearing of masks for all employees and customers.
On street parking will remain free in Nice until 30 June. Christian Estrosi made the announcement today, saying that the decision was made to support local traders.
Over a dozen firefighters tackled a blaze in Auron this morning. According to reports, the fire broke out in a building which houses the Chalet Gourmand restaurant and three apartments. The blaze was brought under control within about two hours and no injuries were reported. An investigation is underway to establish the cause of the fire.
The Cannes town hall and members of the Cannes Orchestra are staging a unique musical event tomorrow evening to pay tribute to caregivers. All Cannes residents are invited to participate in "My Orchestra on the Balcony". At exactly 8.05pm tomorrow (Saturday) evening all 229 loudspeakers around the town will resound to the tune "La Mer" by Charles Trenet and you're invited to join in from your balcony. You can get further details on the Facebook page of Cannes City Hall.
BUSINESS
New data released today shows that in the United States the unemployment rate has risen to 14.7%, with 20.5 million jobs lost in April. Just two months ago, the unemployment rate was at 3.5%. The jobless rate is now worse than at any time since the Great Depression of the 1930s.
Google has said that it's extending its work at home policy to enable employees to continue working from home until the end of the year. The company said that employees who need to return to the office will start being able to do so from July, with enhanced safety measures in place, but the majority of employees who can carry out their jobs from home will be able to do so until the end of the year. Facebook has also announced that it's work at home policy adopted during the coronavirus crisis will be extended to the end of this year.
Germany's Federal Statistics Office has released new data showing a fall of 11.8% in exports for the month of March compared to February. It's the biggest fall in exports since records began in 1990 at the time of German reunification. Imports also fell, by 5.1%.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a three step process to attempt to gradually re-open the country's economy and society by July. The exact timing of the steps has been left to the states and territories to decide. Morrison said that the plan could restore 850,000 jobs.
SPORT
Football... The first major competition to resume after coronavirus restrictions came into place has got underway in South Korea today. The country's K-League match between Jeonbuk Motors and Suwon Bluewings took place without spectators and with health protocols in place.
Cricket... England Test captain Joe Root has said that the England Test team are willing to go into isolation if it would mean that this summer's series against the West Indies and Pakistan would go ahead. In an interview with Sky Sports, Root said that he was optimistic about it happening and the England players are missing playing.
Gabriel Attal announced new measures In response to recent acts of violence among young people during a visit to Viry-Châtillon. Attal highlighted the...
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The owners of a vast floating artificial island that had been planned for last summer off the coast of Mandelieu have won a legal battle to be allowed...
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The Monegasque State has successfully conducted its first national voluntary surrender operation, with 123 firearms being handed over by private indiv...
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A hospital in Cannes has had to postpone all non-urgent consultations and operations after falling victim to a cyberattack....
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Potential presence of broken glass in pizzas. A recall has been issued for several pizzas distributed by Auchan Avallon in France due to the potential...
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