Lunchtime News update Tuesday 3rd March 2020

Lunchtime News update Tuesday 3rd March 2020

Man drowns in Marseille - A 20-year-old man has died after drowning in Marseille. The accident occurred on Monday evening when the young man attempted to climb across the rocks located below the road, on the Corniche Kennedy and was hit by a wave. Friends who were with him at the time alerted emergency services. A helicopter and sea rescue team were deployed and soon discovered the victim’s body. An investigation to determine the exact circumstances has been launched.

Coronavirus update - There have been no new cases of the coronavirus in the region reported this morning (up until 12.20). The number so far, remains at 8 positive cases in the Alpes Maritimes. The latest was reported on Monday after a three-year-old child was hospitalized at the Lenval children’s hospital in Nice. Doctors say her state of health “does not cause any concern” and “all precautionary measures to avoid the spread of the virus have been taken”.

Meanwhile as it stands at 12.20 today in mainland France, only Corsica and Center-Val de Loire region located in the centre of northern France are currently spared from the coronavirus.

Nice city council has issued a helpline number to answer any questions on the coronavirus from 9am to 7pm on 04.97.13.56.00.

Health Minister says price of hydroalcoholic gels unacceptable – Meanwhile France’s Minister of Health, Olivier Véran has said that it’s “unacceptable" that the price of hydroalcoholic gels has soared in the middle of the coronavirus crisis in France.

Speaking on French television this morning the minister announced the release of 260 million euros set aside for hospitals.

A third death of a person infected with the new coronavirus in France was confirmed on Monday by the Ministry of Health, while 61 new cases have been reported, bringing the total to 191 since its appearance on French territory.

Also following a meeting held this morning with France’s sports ministry it’s been announced that all sporting events will be cancelled only on a “case by case” decision. Adding that cancellations would be decided locally with the prefectures.

And French President Emmanuel Macron is expected this afternoon to visit the operational centre at the Minister of Health which coordinated the management of the coronavirus crisis. The head of state will "will bring his support and gratitude" to the staff reported the Elysee.

British Airways has said that it’s cancelling some flights between the UK and US, as well to some European countries including Italy, France and Germany. The airline said it was merging a number of flights between 16 March and 28 March and would be contacting affected customers. Ryanair and Lufthansa also announced today that they'd be cancelling and reducing some flights to and from affected countries.

Weather warning for southwestern France - Météo france has placed six departments in the Southwest of France on an orange weather alert this morning due to the arrival of storm Myriam.

Strong winds are forecast between the beginning of the afternoon and the evening, accompanied by thunderstorms. Gusts of 120/130 km / h are expected along the coast.

Car of the Year is French - The Car of the Year award ceremony has taken place in Geneva and the Peugeot 208 has been named “Car of the Year 2020”. The car which was up against six other finalists including Tesla, Porsche and BMW stole the show at Mondays awards.

The car stood out from its competitors thanks to its engine, which offers an electric version in addition to the traditional petrol and diesel engines.