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 13th May 2025

As the 78th Cannes Film Festival opens today, a darker chapter in French cinema is unfolding in a Paris courtroom, where Gérard Depardieu faces a poss... French and Riviera News Tuesday 13th May 2025 Read More

13/05/2025

Weather Forecast - Tuesday 13th May 2025

Sunny with a gentle breeze. Highs of 20 degrees in Nice, 19 degrees in Monaco, Saint-Tropez and Saint Paul de Vence. ... Weather Forecast - Tuesday 13th May 2025 Read More

13/05/2025

Evening Update Monday 12th May 2025

France is pushing for a European agreement to require social media platforms to verify users' ages, aiming to ban access before age 15 and smartphone ... Evening Update Monday 12th May 2025 Read More

12/05/2025

French and Riviera News Monday 12th May 2025

French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed that France is in talks with allies about possibly supporting Ukraine with troops, amid its ongoing war... French and Riviera News Monday 12th May 2025 Read More

12/05/2025

Weather Forecast - Monday 12th May 2025

Thundery showers are forecast in Nice and the Alpes Maritimes. Some sunny intervals as the day progresses. Highs of 20 degrees. ... Weather Forecast - Monday 12th May 2025 Read More

12/05/2025