The Monaco government is organizing a new large-scale Covid-19 testing campaign in schools at the end of the school holidays. Several thousand self-tests will be made available to schools for teachers and students. On a voluntary basis for adults and subject to parental authorization for children, they will be invited to test themselves in class on Monday February 21, the day when classes return after the February holidays. The government also reminded residents of the Principality that they can also be tested free of charge at the National Screening Centre by requesting an appointment in advance on Monaco 92 05 55 00.
The Var Prefecture has reminded residents that 14 permanent vaccination centres are open in the Var this week and that vaccination is also available at locations including doctor's surgeries, pharmacies and nurse's offices. You can get more details on www.var.gouv.fr
President Emmanuel Macron is in Moscow today to hold talks with President Vladimir Putin regarding tensions on the Ukraine border. A press conference by the two leaders is expected to take place this evening.
Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi has hailed what he called "the outstanding longevity of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II" on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee. The Queen ascended to the throne on February 6, 1952, with the coronation being held the following year. In a series of Twitter posts in French and English the mayor said that "well beyond the borders of her Kingdom, she undeniably [has] marked the spirits and inspired the whole world".
Members of the public are being invited to participate in the public inquiry into phases 1 and 2 of the New Provence Côte d'Azur Line until February 28. The major rail project aims to improve travel between Marseille, Toulon, Nice and the French Riviera. You can see the documents for the project in person in Cannes at the Mairie Annexe de la Ferrage and the La Bocca Town Hall Annex as well as online. You can find more details on www.cannes.com and on the project's website www.lignenouvelle-provencecotedazur.fr
BUSINESS
UK economic growth this year will be 4.9% according to economic forecaster the EY Item Club. It had previously forecast growth of 5.6%. It also forecast that interest rates in the UK may rise to 1% by the end of this year.
Housebuiler Taylor Wimpey has appointed a new Chief Executive. The company announced that Jennie Daly has been appointed to the role. She is currently Group Operations Director of Taylor Wimpey and replaces Pete Redfern who will be stepping down as CEO of the company after more than 14 years.
SPORT
Cricket... Paul Collingwood has been appointed as England's men's interim coach for the Test series against West Indies in March. The thee Tests are scheduled to take place in Antigua, Barbados and Grenada next month. The Test squad is expected to be announced tomorrow.
Football... Football Associations in the UK and Ireland have decided not to pursue a possible bid to host the 2030 World Cup. Following a study, the football associations of the Republic of Ireland, England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland will instead focus on an official bid to host the Euro championships in 2028.
A major union representing French air traffic controllers has cancelled its strike notice for 18 September...
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Monaco’s new Minister of State, Christophe Mirmand has given his first press conference since taking office, pledging to serve with humility, transpar...
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Two additional people have been arrested today in Normandy in northern France in connection with a knife attack at a school in Antibes yesterday...
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Protesters across France have blocked roads, set fire to barricades, and clashed with police over President Emmanuel Macron’s planned spending cuts. L...
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Several people have been injured in a knife attack at a school in Antibes. The attack happened at the Campus Vert d’Azur horticultural school this aft...
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