Lunchtime News Friday 4th December 2020

News

Covid-19 - According to data from Public Health France there has been an increase in the number of admissions for Covid-19 in the last 48 hours in the Alpes Maritimes region.

While restrictions are to be eased ahead of the end of year celebrations recent data has reportedly indicatorid that the improvement is “slow” in the Alpes Maritimes.

Over the last seven days, 50 new deaths have been announced by the health authorities in hospitals and nursing homes in the Alpes-Maritimes.

November saw 212 deaths recorded. Since the start of the epidemic, Covid-19 has killed at least 570 people in the region.

Vaccinations Covid-19 - Vaccinations against Covid-19 in France will be free, during a press conference on Thursday the French prime minister Jean Castex said that the three-stage innoculation programme will begin in January for 1 million elderly in retirement homes, in February for 14 million high-risk people and in the spring for the rest of the population.

The French government has set aside €1.5 billion of next year's social security budget to cover the cost.

Winter sales postponed - The winter sales in France have been postponed until January 20th. The sales were due to start on January 6th but following demands from several trader federations the French government made the announcement this morning.

Earth tremor - An earthquake, with a magnitude of 3.5 occurred this morning in the metropolitan area of ​​Strasbourg. According to the National Seismic Monitoring Network the earthquake which occurred at 6:59 am was "induced", ie caused by human activity. The epicenter of the earthquake is located near a site hosting a geothermal power plant project which has led to concerns from nearby residents.  

And Finally

Pilot Didier Renaud has flown 20km around his home. Respecting the limit currently imposed due to lockdown in France the pilot a member of the Aeroclub du Thouarsais, made sure he had his attestation filled in and was seen over Maine-et-Loire and Deux Sèvres completing almost perfect circles while respecting restrictions.

On Saturday November 28th, amateur pilots also had the right to indulge in their passion again. The only problem, being the 20km limit both for on land and in the sky. In the rather preposterous idea Didier travelled 125 km by plane, for a little over an hour, following the 20 km limit around his home exactly!