The plans of many British tourists have been thrown into disarray after the British government announced that, as from 4am UK time on Saturday, all arrivals from France will have to self-isolate for 14 days or face a fine. The measure will also apply to travellers from Monaco as well as several other countries. An estimated 160,000 British people are currently on holiday in France. The Foreign Office is now warning against "all but essential travel" to France. France has said that the UK decision will lead to "reciprocal measures".
As some people attempt to beat the deadline, cross-channel tunnel operator Eurotunnel has warned people not to turn up at their terminal without a booking saying that they won't get a crossing without one. The company which operates the Channel Tunnel said that the service is already very busy this weekend and there is no additional capacity. Additional flights are being added by several airlines from French airports to help repatriate holidaymakers before the deadline and ferry operators are adding additional services. Earlier today DFDS Ferries tweeted that it had added an four extra departures from Calais to help repatriate customers on the Continent but that bookings must be made before arriving at the port. P&O Ferries said it had increased its capacity on its Spirit class ships and said that passengers should book in advance rather than just turn up at ports. It also advised customers that any further changes to capacity would be updated on social media.
The Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, has announced that all sporting events which have over 300 competitors will be cancelled because of the pandemic. The announcement affects all such events this year, including the marathon, half-marathon and Ironman competitions. However, the mayor said that the Tour de France, which is still scheduled to start in Nice on 29 August, won't be affected.
The wearing of masks is being made compulsory in all markets in the Alpes Maritimes. The Prefect, Bernard Gonzalez, issued a decree today which makes mask waring mandatory by everyone aged 11 and over in all covered and outdoor markets in the department. The decree is initially in force for a period of one month. Those who are in breach of the decree are lible to a fine of 135 euros, rising to 450 euros for those committing a repeat offence within 15 days.
Toulon has become the latest city to introduce the complusory wearing of masks in certain outdoor areas. As from Monday, masks will be compulsory in certain areas in the centre of Toulon, including an area of the old town near the port.
The departments of the Bouches-du-Rhône and Paris have been officially classified as "active circulation zones" for Covid-19. The classification means that prefects will now have the ability to take more restrictive measures to fight against the spread of Covid-19, including the closure of restaurants and markets and limiting gatherings of people.
BUSINESS
Shares in many UK and French travel and hospitality companies fell today after the UK government imposed a 14 day quarantine on arrivals from France. Airlines, including British Airways operator IAG and Easyjet were affected as was Tui, the travel operator which yesterday revealed heavy losses as a result of the pandemic. Airlines UK, the industry body representing many large airlines, said that the quarantine decision was "another devastating blow to the travel industry". Travel association ABTA said that the UK quarantine restrictions would result in job losses unless government help was forthcoming.
EU statistics agency Eurostat has confirmed its previously estimated figures for the Eurozone economy in the second quarter. It said that Eurozone GDP had fallen by 12.1% in the April to June period. Newly released figures for the nordic economies show that Denmark experienced a record breaking fall in GDP in the second quarter of this year. Finland revealed that it's GDP had fallen by 3.2% in the quarter. The Swedish economy contracted by 8.6%.
Retail sales in China have fallen by 1.1% in July compared to the same month last year, according to official government figures. Analysts had been expecting a slight rise in sales. Chinese factory output was also less than expected.
SPORT
Football... Arsenal have announced the signing of Brazil international Willian. The 32 year old is moving across London from Chelsea on a three year deal. He made 339 appearances for Chelsea after joining the club back in 2013.
Motorsports.. It's the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend. In first practice this morning, Valtteri Bottas was fastest, with Lewis Hamilton was second, followed by Max Verstappen Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel.
Cricket.... Several England against Australia matches have been announced for next month. There'll be three Twenty20s and three one-day internationals. The matches were originally due to be played in July but were postponed because of the pandemic. The T20 matches will be at Southampton and the ODI's at Old Trafford.
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