Evening Update 13th Oct

The Perfecture has extended the Corona virus restrictions until the start of next week. It means bars will continue to close at 10pm, restrictions on the sale of alcohol after 8pm. and compulsory mask wearing in public areas, up to next Monday Oct 19th.

European authorities have announced a common Corona travel policy to apply across the EU. The plan will see the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control publish a weekly map showing red, orange and green areas of Corona virus across the continent. People travelling to or from a red or orange zone, may be subject to quarantine or screening on arrival. The introduction of a single European form to be completed by travellers is also planned.

More detail on Corona virus plans are expected from President Macron, who is due to address the nation 7.55 tomorrow evening on television. It will be his first official statement on the health crisis ince July.

Mayors of towns along the Roya valley, which are still recovering from the effects of Storm Alex, have demanded they be intricately involved in the reconstruction projects being headed up by the Prefect. Two weeks ago the valley received more than four months of rainfall in twenty four hours leading to flooding and extensive damage.

The launch of the website for Britons to register French residency has been briefly delayed. Officials confirmed the site, which was expected to open this Thursday, would be open next Monday October 19th instead. The website will simplify online applications with one visit to the prefecture and residency cards sent in the post. The link to the new site is http://invite.contacts-demarches.interieur.gouv.fr

Princess Stéphanie of Monaco has hit back at forthcoming regulations banning animals in travelling circus’s and the reproduction of dolphins in France. For many years the Princess has campaigned for UNESCO to recognize the traditional circus as an intangible part of humanities heritage. She said we should take care of humans rather than go after the circus.

BUSINESS

The International Monetary Fund is forecasting a less severe recession than it had in its last quarter World Economic Outlook in June. The new report says the economic downturn is only partly due to government restrictions, with a larger effect felt by voluntary social distancing, from people reluctant to do things that expose them to potential infection. The implication of that is that a fuller recovery will need more decisive progress in tackling the virus, such as a vaccine.

Amazon workers in Germany are striking for better pay and conditions today, right in the centre of the  company’s billion dollar giveaway Prime Day sale which is on today and tomorrow. Despite this the e-commerce giant said the action will have no effect on deliveries.

Delta Air Lines have posted another multi-billion dollar loss after what is usually the peak travel period of the year. The carrier had a net loss of $5.4 billion in the third quarter compared with a profit of $1.5 billion in last years Q3. With turnover down 76%, Delta’s president warned revenues may not normalize for two years or more.

SPORT

Football - France are hoping to correct Sunday’s nil all draw against Portugal when they face Croatia in tomorrows UEFA Nations League match. The odds are good as France remain unbeaten against the Croatians in their last seven games, including a convicing 4-2 win in their last match together, the 2018 World Cup Final.

Rugby - The All Blacks' spiritual home Eden Park is expected to host a 47,000 capacity crowd for the second Bledisloe Cup match between New Zealand and Australia on Sunday. Last weekend, Australia came within a whisker of winning in 16 all draw in front of 31,000 fans without fans in Wellington. New Zealand, with a population of 4.8m, has been so successful in combating Covid-19, they’ve only one new case in the 24 hours leading up to today.

Golf -Finca Cortesin in Andalucia will host the 2023 Solheim Cup, the first time Spain has staged the match between Europe and the United States. Spain will become the sixth European nation to stage the biggest team event in women's golf. The dates are yet to be finalised.