It's been announced this afternoon that 7 more people have lost their lives due to Covid-19 in the Var in the past 24 hours. Three more deaths were recorded in the Alpes Maritimes. The new deaths mean that since the beginning of the pandemic there have been 198 deaths in the Var and 190 in the Alpes Maritimes as a result of the virus.
A union representing GPs has estimated that 9,000 people across France have died at home because of the coronovirus. Such deaths are not incuded in the official figures, which only include those who have passed away in hospitals and nursing homes. The union estimated the figures following a survey of its members.
French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe is due to present the government's plans for the end of lockdown to the National Assembly tomorrow afternoon at 3pm. The proposals will then be put to a vote of MPs after a debate, which is expected to last about two and a half hours. Meanwhile, a group of deputies are calling for a gradual re-opening of restaurants. The French government have said that further information on the re-opening of the catering sector will be given at the end of May. However, a group of over 100 deputies are asking the government to allow restaurants to re-open in three phases, from May 15 to June 15, depending on the level of coronavirus cases in their region.
The number of people seeking employment in France has risen by 7.1% in March. It's the biggest increase since 1996. The number of so-called Category B and C jobseekers - in other words those in "reduced activity" - fell by 3.1%.
In Monaco, the government have announced that HSH Prince Albert II will make a televised address to the nation regarding the coronavirus outbreak at 7pm this evening.
It's been announced that masks will be on sale in several Monegasque shops. With a view to the gradual lifting of containment, and with the aim of protecting the population, the Monegasque Government has said that it will allow small, medium and large stores in the Principality to sell the masks provided by state supply chains. The government reminds residents that pharmacies in Monaco are authorized to sell surgical masks and FFP2 masks at prices set by the public authorities, respectively at 2 euros 50 cents and 7 euros 50 cents per unit. The list of mask sales outlets is available on the website wwww.covid19.mc https://covid19.mc/tout-savoir-sur-les-masques/#1631
It's been announced that all concerts scheduled for the month of May at the Opéra Garnier Monte-Carlo have been canceled. Ticket holders are invited to contact the place where they purchased their tickets regarding refunds.
Residents of St Tropez are each being provided with two reuseable fabric masks. The masks will be distribute
