A French ambulance workers organization has asked the government for permission to work in "reduced" mode for non-urgent transport because of a lack of ambulance personnel. Speaking to French media, the President of the FNMS National Federation of Health Mobility said that about 10 to 13 per cent of ambulance workers do not wish to be vaccinated. Since earlier this week vaccination for such workers is mandatory. The organization has warned that they will not be able to cover all transport needs.
A tribute ceremony to one of the Monaco firefighters who died in a road accident in Puget-Theniers on 31 August has been held in Carros. Carros was the home town of 22 year old Matis Canavese. He was also a volunteer firefighter in the town.
Certain travellers entering France from the United States and Israel will be subject to additional coronavirus measures as from this Sunday. The two countries are being moved from the Green to the Orange list. The change means that arrivals who have not been fully vaccinated will have to show a compelling reason to visit France and will have to provide evidence of a negative PCR test of less than 72 hours or a negative antigen test of less than 48 hours. They may also be subject to random antigen tests after arrival and will be asked to observe a seven day isolation period.
Two people have been arrested in Cannes on suspicion of having stolen an expensive watch from a Dutch tourist on the Croisette. Authorities were able to track the two alleged thieves back to their residence using municipal CCTV cameras after the theft in the early hours of yesterday morning. The information was transmitted to the National Police who were able to move in and make the arrests this morning.
The Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation Vidal Frederique has been in the Var today. The Minister visited the University of Toulon where she inaugurated the science and technology faculty building which has just undergone renovation.
A direct train service from London to some of France's top ski resorts has been announced. Leisure business Compagnie des Alpes has announced an agreement with Eurostar with a view to relaunching the direct rail service from London Saint Pancras to the Tarentaise Valley for the 2021-22 ski season. It will be marketed under the name “Travelski Express” and will serve Moûtiers and Bourg Saint Maurice stations in the Savoie department non-stop. A similar service was previously offered by Eurostar itself but was discontinued in December 2020.
BUSINESS
UK GDP is estimated to have grown by just 0.1% in July. The Office for National Statistics said that the construction sector contracted for a fourth consecutive month, with output down by 1.6% in July. However, arts, entertainment and recreation activities grew by 9.0%, boosted by sports clubs, amusement parks and festivals, and reflecting the easing of restrictions on social distancing. The UK economy remains 2.1% below its pre-pandemic level of February 2020.
Newly released data from the ONS shows that total UK exports of goods, excluding precious metals, fell by 300 million pounds in July because of a 900 million pound fall in exports to the EU. Exports to non-EU countries increased by 5%, amounting to 700 million pounds.
SPORT
Cricket... England's Fifth Test against India has been cancelled. Several of India's backroom staff tested positive for Covid-19 and they were unable to field a team. The England and Wales Cricket Board expressed its "sincere apologies to fans and partners" and said that the news "will cause immense disappointment and inconvenience to many". Speaking to the BBC, ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said that the result of the Test will be a decision for the ICC in the context of the World Test Championship.
Motorsports... Lewis Hamilton was fastest in first practice for the Italian Grand Prix this afternoon. Max Verstappen was second with Valtteri Bottas in third. Qualifying for Saturday’s sprint race is taking place this evening and the final positions will decide the grid lineup for Sunday’s Grand Prix. As well as gaining pole position for the main event, the winner of the sprint race is also awarded an extra three points in the drivers’ championship.
Football... The English Premier League is back in action this weekend following the international break. On Saturday Crystal Palace play Spurs. Arsenal host Norwich. Brentford play Brighton. Leicester face Manchester City. Manchester United play Newcastle. Southampton host West Ham. Watford play Wolves and Chelsea play Aston Villa. On Sunday Leeds play Liverpool and Everton play Burnley on Monday.
The owners of a vast floating artificial island that had been planned for last summer off the coast of Mandelieu have won a legal battle to be allowed...
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The Monegasque State has successfully conducted its first national voluntary surrender operation, with 123 firearms being handed over by private indiv...
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A hospital in Cannes has had to postpone all non-urgent consultations and operations after falling victim to a cyberattack....
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Potential presence of broken glass in pizzas. A recall has been issued for several pizzas distributed by Auchan Avallon in France due to the potential...
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The Riviera's ski resorts are celebrating a record winter season.
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