Lunchtime News Wednesday 20th May 2020

Meeting of France’s Ministers - The French government is to hold a Council of Ministers meeting followed by an inter-ministerial meeting later today.

On the agenda will be the negotiations, which will open on May 25th with health professional, promising improved working conditions and better pay. They will also discuss the second round of local elections and how to organize the next stage of deconfinement.

Latest figures published for France show that the number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care, an essential indicator of the pressure on the hospital system, continue to drop.

Meanwhile locally the latest assessment communicated by the Regional Health Agency reports 240 victims in the Alpes-Maritimes, remaining stable in the Var, with 221 deaths in total.

Press conference presenting the objectives of phase 3 of the end of lockdown in the Principality - This afternoon the government Councilors and Ministers in charge of Health and the Economy, Didier Gamerdinger and Jean Castellini are to hold a press conference with the objective of presenting “phase 3” of the lifting of lockdown in the Principality and what this will involve.

When, how, and under what conditions will businesses and places of activity reopen in Monaco will be presented along with the current health situation 15 days after the lifting of lockdown.

Some beaches in the Bouches du Rhone to reopen- The regional prefect of the Bouches du Rhone Pierre Dartout, has authorized the reopening of 15 beaches in the region from Thursday and of 18 others by June 2nd.

In Marseille, despite the ban, some impatient swimmers were already seen taking a dip on Tuesday at the Bains des Dames. However beaches in Marseille will remain closed for the bank holiday weekend while 15 others in the region are set to open including in Arles, Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, and La Ciotat.

18 other beaches will be accessible the following week, including Cassis.

Diversions for traffic and pedestrians in Monaco on Sunday 24th due to filming - Parts of the Principality will be closed to traffic and pedestrians on May 24th due to filming.

As part of the filming of a short film, with Monaco's F1 champion Charles Leclerc at the wheel, the tracks of the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix will be closed to traffic and pedestrians on Sunday, May 24, 2020 between 6:45 a.m. and 9 a.m.

Areas concerned:  Boulevard Albert 1er, Passage Sainte Dévote, Avenue d’Ostende, Place du Casino, Avenue des Spélugues, Tunnel Louis II, Boulevard Louis II, Quai des Etats-Unis, Avenue JF Kennedy, Route de la Piscine, Virage Rascasse

Officials thank residents for their understanding, and excuse the inconvenience caused inviting them, from their balconies overlooking the circuit, to enjoy the show!