Lunchtime News update Friday 11th September 2020

Local

Restrictions - The Mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi has announced the suspension of visits to four local nursing homes. On Thursday September 10th, the mayor announced increased restrictions in the fight against the circulation of the virus.

The mayor also announced the distribution of fabric masks, the delivery of meals to vulnerable elderly people is to be resumed, the cancellation of Heritage days and the suspension of all maritime cruise and ferry activity from Nice.

Christian Estrosi said he wants to see school staff tested and that depending on the situation in the coming days stronger measures may need to be taken, he added that the “situation is serious”.

In the Alpes-Maritimes, a department classified red since August 28th, the number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care has doubled in less than two weeks.

The Nice University Hospital is however very far from saturation with 7 patients in intensive care. However its director has pointed out that "If the momentum continues, the service might be in difficulty in a few days or weeks”.

Summit in Corsica - French President Emmanuel Macron has hosted the leaders of six other EU states for a summit in Corsica in the hope of finding common ground ahead of the next EU summit this month.

Leaders of seven European countries on the Mediterranean said at Thursday’s summit that they were ready to back EU sanctions against Turkey if Ankara shunned dialogue on escalating tensions in the sea.

Macron showed his anger against Turkey saying that the NATO ally was no longer a partner in the eastern Mediterranean, and that its people "deserved something" different to the way the government currently behaved.

France has strongly backed Greece and Cyprus in a growing standoff with Turkey over hydrocarbon resources and naval influence in the eastern Mediterranean, which has sparked fears of more severe conflict.

Missing person – A 13-year-old girl has been reported missing in Vidauban in the Var. Police have called for any witnesses following the worrying disappearance of Paloma Gomez who was last seen on Tuesday 8th September at a leisure park in Vidauban.

Described as being of medium height with long brown hair Paloma was last seen wearing jeans a beige sweater and black trainers.  

Anyone who may have any information is invited to contact police in Draguignan on 04.94.39.44.06.

Mask compulsory outdoors in 18 doors of the Alpes Maritimes - Wearing a mask has become compulsory outdoors in 18 towns in the Alpes Maritimes and since Thursday Cannes, Antibes and Menton were added to the list which already includes amongst others, Nice, Mougins, Cagnes sur mer, Saint Laurent du Var and Valbonne.

The measure taken to curb Covid-19 contamination makes wearing a mask outdoors compulsory from 8am to 1am however, it does not apply to those under 11s or to people with disabilities justified with a medical certificate.

Other towns such as Biot, Colomars, Eze, La Gaude and Saint Jeannet have made in compulsory only in certain areas.  

Last orders - Meanwhile the Alpes Maritimes Prefecture has announced earlier closing times for bars and restaurants to limit the spread of the coronavirus. As of Thursday evening, through until the 15th October, restaurants and bars in towns with over 2,000 inhabitants will have to close at 1am those with less than 2,000 inhabitants the closing time will be 11pm.

The Prefecture added that police and gendarmes will maintain their checks to ensure that the measures are respected.

Monaco Covid-19 – Four new cases of Covid-19 have been declared in the Principality on Thursday bringing the total number of residents affected to 165.

AS Monaco - Meanwhile AS Monaco have said that three players at its academy have tested positive for Covid-19. The players have been isolated, and the club said that their state of health isn't causing concern.

Nice Opera House closes - The Nice opera house has closed at the last minute, as a precaution due to the current health crisis. Management has assured that daily tests for Covid-19 have been carried out revealing a few positive cases, but no cluster has been declared.

The decision to close was made at 6pm on Thursday ahead of the season’s opening night in order to respect health measures in the fight against Covid-19.

The Crossing - This weekend will see the Monaco Water BIke Challenge take place. Organised by the Princess Charlene Foundation of Monaco  the relay race entitled The Crossing: Calvi - Monaco Water Bike Challenge takes place tomorrow Saturday 12th September and Sunday 13th. 
The purpose of this new sporting challenge is to sail from Calvi to Monaco in a minimum time on water bikes.

Beyond the sports performance, this event aims to raise awareness about drowning prevention and water safety. The primary objective of Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, established on 14th December 2012, is to save lives by fighting against drowning.

Its missions include increasing public awareness of water-related hazards, educating children with respect to preventative measures and teaching them how to swim. The World Health Organization estimates that 320,000 people die from drowning worldwide every year.

 

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