Evening Update Tuesday 28 December 2021

The sale of self-tests to detect Covid-19 is being authorized in French retail chains until the end of January. A decree authorizing stores such as supermarkets to sell the tests was published in the Official Journal today. Until now, the sale of antigen self-tests has been limited to pharmacies.

A monthly premium of 100 euros net for intensive care nurses has been announced by the French government. Around 24,000 people are affected by the salary increase. The amount will be paid from January.

Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi has welcomed what he called "the balanced announcements" of Prime Minister Jean Castex yesterday evening. The mayor said that he had called for the introduction of the vaccine pass and welcomed the strengthening of sanctions for the use of false health passes, calling it "scandalous behavior with serious consequences".

The French Navy are continuing their anti-mining operations off the coast of Fos-sur-Mer to the north-west of Marseille. The ongoing demining operation is aimed at reducing danger and improving the environment. The Maritime Prefect said that in 2021 more than 350 pieces of ammunition had been recovered and destroyed, the equivalent of 1.5 tonnes of TNT.

 

BUSINESS

UK energy suppliers have said that energy prices are likely to remain high until 2023. Several large suppliers told the Financial Times that consumers would feel the effects of the recent surge in wholesale prices for at least a further eighteen months unless the UK government takes action.

Elon Musk' Starlink internet satellite project is facing a social media backlash after China complained that its space station was forced to avoid collisions with Starlink satellites. China said that the country's space station had two "close encounters" with Starlink satellites earlier this year. In a document submitted to the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, China said that its Space Station "implemented preventive collision avoidance control" measures.

 

SPORT

Tennis.... Dominic Thiem has pulled out of the Australian Open because of injury. He hasn't played since he sustained the injury to his wrist during a match in Spain last June. The Australian Open gets underway in Melbourne on 17 January.

Football... Spainish player Ferran Torres has joined Barcelona from Manchester City, signing a contract until June 2027. He spent only 18 months at City after joining from Valencia.

Manchester United have reportedly rejected a loan offer from Sevilla for French player Anthony Martial. He joined United from Monaco in 2015.

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