A French government body has recommended the wearing of a mask in certain situations to reduce the incidence of Covid-19. COVARS, the new committee for monitoring and anticipating health risks, which has replaced the Scientific Council, has recommended the wearing of a mask in enclosed spaces. However, at this stage it is still a recommendation, there is no obligation. The body said that wearing a mask on transport and in closed and poorly ventilated spaces where there are people is "a gesture of solidarity with the most fragile".
Damage to properties in the Pas-de-Calais is being assessed after a heavy storm hit the area last night. A tornado touched down in the village of Bihucourt. Rooves were ripped off many houses and reports say that eight houses have been completely destroyed. Despite the ferocity of the weather, there have been no reported casualties but many residents in the village of about 350 people have had to move to other accomodation.
Drought conditions are continuing in the Var. All fire is prohibited by decree of the Prefect. A recent prefectural decree extended the "red period" of drought measures until the end of this month. More details can be found on the prefecture's website www.var.gouv.fr
Meanwhile, the Var prefecture has issued a reminder that cars must have snow chains or be equipped with winter tyres in 28 municipalities in the north of the department starting from 1 November. The requirement is in force through until the end of March next year. The list of affected departments can be found on the prefecture's website.
Certain boxes of Jeff de Bruges "Choco'mauves" marshmallow bears are being recalled. The manufacturer said that the labelling doesn't state that traces of nut allergen were present in the dark chocolate bears. The date of minimum durability of the affected products was between 24 February 2023 and 31 October 2023. It doesn't apply to products sold after the 21st October 2022. More information is available on https://rappel.conso.gouv.fr/fiche-rappel/8435/Interne
BUSINESS
Business activity in the Eurozone has fallen at its fastest pace in two years according to a survey of purchasing managers by S&P Global. It said that the Eurozone economy fell into a steeper downturn in October, as output contracted at the fastest rate since April 2013 except for pandemic lockdowns.
Meanwhile, October flash data for the UK has indicated contraction, with the Purchasing Managers Index at a 21-month low. The company said that "intense inflationary pressures, escalating political uncertainty and rising interest rates led to downbeat sentiment".
The UK parlaiment's Work and Pension Committee has announced an inquiry into the recent pension market crisis in the UK. The disruption occured after the government's so called mini-budget and prompted an intervention by the Bank of England.
SPORT
Cricket... The T20 World Cup match between South Africa and Zimbabwe has been abandoned because of bad weather. There was no result and both sides get one point. South Africa had reached 51-0 off three overs, chasing 64 off seven overs, when heavy rain ended the match.
Rugby Union...Owen Farrell has withdrawn from the England squad for their training camp in Jersey after sustaining a concussion in a club match at the weekend. Jonny May and Henry Arundell have also pulled out after suffering injuries at the weekend. As a result, Sale wing Tom Roebuck has been called up for the first time. Adam Radwan and Henry Slade also make a return to the England squad.
Football... There's just one premier league match this evening, West Ham are at home to Bournemouth.
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For the first time, world-renowned health, ocean and environmental researchers have collaborated to quantify the massive risks plastic poses to all li...
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