Lunchtime News Monday 17th August 2020

Local

Man dies after falling from hotel balcony - A 26-year-old man has died after falling several metres from his hotel balcony in Avignon. The incident occurred shortly after 4am this morning. Police have opened an investigation to determine the circumstances in which the individual fell to his death.

Fire in Puget-sur-Argens - A fire has broken out near the RD N7 in Puget-sur-Argens in the Var. Firefighter were at the scene at 9.30am this morning as 1,000 m2 of vegetation as well as a storage of rubbish and tyres were destroyed by the flames.

Water bombers were mobilized against this fire, which has since been brought under control.

Marseille - The French Government’s spokesperson Gabriel Attal is expected in Marseille this afternoon to visit the Covid-19 screening center in the Old Port. Ahead of his arrival Attal announced more resources in Marseille to enforce the wearing of masks in 7 districts of the city, which had become compulsory after the prefect's decision. This will include an increase in the number of CRS police officers to control the wearing of masks.

Antoine Lacassagne centre in Nice draws attention to a genetic predisposition in Covid-19 infection - In a study published by researchers from the Antoine Lacassagne centre, which specializes in cancer care and research here in Nice, it’s been highlighted that there is a genetic predisposition in Covid-19 infection.

In an attempt to answer the common question as to why some individuals are more vulnerable than others to the coronavirus researchers and doctors from the Antoine Lacassagne center claim to have found an explanation. For them, genetics play a major role in how vulnerable some people are to Covid-19.

The study has shown that an individual genetic characterisation can determine the risk of developing Covid-19 infection and this could be determined by a simple and inexpensive genetic test.

Researchers say that the test would make it possible to highlight the risks of each patient. The research concluded that it will be “a question of time and money” before these inexpensive genetic tests could be carried out on a large scale.

National

Puy du Fou - A history-themed amusement park in western France was at the heart of controversy yet again over the weekend when organisers of a nighttime show received permission to host 9,000 visitors despite restrictions on large gatherings amid a national spike in coronavirus cases.

Nearly 9,000 spectators gathered at the Puy du Fou historical theme park in the Vendée in western France for a show despite a nationwide ban on gatherings exceeding 5,000 people due to the Covid-19 crisis.

Local officials authorised the mass gathering on Saturday, sparking allegations of favouritism since Philippe de Villiers, a far-right French politician who founded the Puy du Fou, is a friend of President Emmanuel Macron, according to French media reports.

 

Last local news

Evening Update Friday 4th July 2025

Today marks the official release of the French baccalaureate results for around 720,000 candidates, with a provisional national pass rate of 85.75%. ... Evening Update Friday 4th July 2025 Read More

04/07/2025

French and Riviera News Friday 4th July 2025

Air traffic controllers have begun the second day of their two-day walkout - with more disruption expected at Nice airport today affecting summer holi... French and Riviera News Friday 4th July 2025 Read More

04/07/2025

Evening Update Thursday 3rd July 2025

Prince Albert II of Monaco has appointed Christophe Mirmand as the new Minister of State on the 3rd of July, following Philippe Mettoux's recent withd... Evening Update Thursday 3rd July 2025 Read More

03/07/2025

French and Riviera News Thursday 3rd July 2025

More than 100 flights departing from and arriving at Nice airport today have been cancelled due to a nationwide strike by French air traffic controlle... French and Riviera News Thursday 3rd July 2025 Read More

03/07/2025

Evening Update Wednesday 2nd July 2025

Due to an ozone pollution spike, only vehicles with Crit’Air green, 1, or 2 stickers can drive in Marseille's Low Emissions Zone (ZFE) on Wednesday, t... Evening Update Wednesday 2nd July 2025 Read More

02/07/2025