The body of a man has been found near the village of Greolieres in the Alpes-Maritimes. The local deputy prosecutor said that the body is that of 33 year old Marc Floris who is wanted in connection with shooting a woman in Plan-de-la-Tour in the Var at the weekend. He said that it was too early to give details regarding the circumstances of the death.
French Health Minister Olivier Veran has said this afternoon that the circulation of the virus has increased by 150% over a week. He said that there were 18,000 new cases in the past 24 hours, up from 7,000 a day a week ago.
Earlier today the Health Minister said that the government expects 40 million people to have received a first vaccination by the end of this month. He said that "we are doing everything we can to allow French people to be vaccinated massively, everywhere, at any time, and for free". Speaking to French media this morning he said that the wearing of a mask would not be obligatory for customers in places open to the public where the Health Pass is required for entry. A decree published today states that the wearing of a mask may still be imposed by the manager of the venue or local prefects.
Regarding the recent protests against compulsory vaccination and the extension of the Health Pass, the Health Minister said that "among those who demonstrate against the law, some will have their lives saved thanks to the law, just like their parents, their friends, their neighbours". He added that "for a century, each law on vaccination has led to reactions, sometimes sharp. But it is not fear of the vaccine or rejection of the state that has eradicated smallpox or polio, it is vaccination".
Speaking before the National Assembly this afternoon Prime Minister Jean Castex said “the Health Pass is not an attack on freedoms. On the contrary, I believe it aims to promote them”.
The Prime Minister will give a live television interview tomorrow. He’s expected to give an update on the health situation and give more details about how the health pass will work. He will appear on the 1pm edition of the TF1 news.
The Monaco government has released figures on the results of Covid-19 tests. Between July 12 and July 18, 4,341 PCR and antigen tests were carried out on resident and non-resident individuals. The test positivity rate was 4.01%. The incidence rate during the week was 156.45, which is up from 91.26 in the previous week.
The PACA Regional Health agency has issued advice for staying well during the current hot conditions. The agency says that everyone should drink lots of water, leave your shutters closed and stay cool, avoid physical effort, do not drink alcohol and eat enough food.
BUSINESS
The Chinese government has said that allegations it carried out a cyber-attack against Microsoft are "groundless and irresponsible". A group of Western countries including the UK, the US, Australia and New Zealand had accused China of hacking Microsoft's Exchange e-mail platform. The Chinese government said it is "a staunch defender of cyber security".
EasyJet has said that its capacity in the July to September period will be up to 60% of 2019 levels. The company said that in order to capitalise on the opening-up of travel in continental Europe and the easing of restrictions for the fully vaccinated in the UK, it continues to concentrate capacity towards popular routes where there is rising customer demand. It said that in the third quarter of this year it flew 17% of its capacity in the same quarter of 2019, which it said is slightly ahead of expectations.
SPORT
Rugby Union…All three Tests between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions will now be staged in Cape Town because of the pandemic. The series was originally due to hold the second and third Tests In Johannesburg after starting in Cape Town on 24 July.
Olympics... Poland have sent six swimmers home after selecting too many by mistake. Poland sent 23 swimmers to Tokyo but had to reduce the number to 17 based on the rules of world governing body FINA.
Football...Celtic are playing FC Midtjylland in the second round of Champions League qualifying tonight. Kick off is at 8.45pm.
Cricket – England play Pakistan in the deciding T 20 international at Old Trafford this evening. The series is tied at 1–1. Play starts at 7:30 pm our time.
Australia are also in action today in the first one-day international against West Indies in Bridgetown, Barbados. Play starts at 8:30 pm.
