Coronavirus

Coronavirus - France’s new French health minister, Olivier Veran has said that there is a "credible risk" the coronavirus outbreak could turn unto a pandemic, as the World Health Organisation warned against a global over-reaction, following panic-buying and event cancellations.

Speaking to French media on Tuesday Veran said France was ready to deal with all the possibilities and its health system was sufficiently robust and well-equipped.

Veran stepped into the role of health minister on Monday, after Agnes Buzyn took over to run for mayor of the capital, following the withdrawal of Benjamin Griveaux from the race because of a sex tape scandal.

More than 72,000 people have now been infected by the virus in China and 900 more abroad, including 12 in France. But the WHO stressed the disease has infected a "tiny" proportion of people outside its epicentre and the mortality rate remains relatively low.

 

Last local news

French and Riviera News Tuesday 4 November 2025

Disruption is expected to local TER train services between Nice and Marseille from tomorrow evening French and Riviera News Tuesday 4 November 2025 Read More

03/11/2025

Evening Update Monday 3 November 2025

The public enquiry into the proposed line 5 of the Nice tramway is getting underway today Evening Update Monday 3 November 2025 Read More

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French and Riviera News Monday 3 November 2025

Over 250 people have been fined at an illegal rave in the Var at the weekend, including for drugs possession and driving without a licence. The Prefec... French and Riviera News Monday 3 November 2025 Read More

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Evening Update Friday 31 October 2025

The French Minister of Culture has said that an inquiry into the recent burglary at the Louvre had revealed a “chronic underestimation” of the risks o... Evening Update Friday 31 October 2025 Read More

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French and Riviera News Friday 31st October 2025

Eight British tourists, including five children, were taken to hospital in the Dordogne after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning, reportedly caused b... French and Riviera News Friday 31st October 2025 Read More

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