Evening Update Wednesday 20 October 2021

Figures have been released for hospitalizations from Covid-19 in the Var. As of yesterday, 19 October, there were 31 patients hospitalised, which is 4 less than a week previously. 19 patients were in intensive care, which is down by 2. Four people died from Covid-19 in the department's hospitals during the week.

The Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur Regional Health Agency has issued a reminder for those people who have received an injection of the Janssen Covid-19 vaccine. In order to strengthen the protection of people vaccinated with the Janssen vaccine, the Ministry of Health recommends a booster dose at least 4 weeks after the first injection. The vaccine has been used in France since the end of April and is reserved for adults aged 55 and over. The Agency said that a booster allows better efficacy against symptomatic forms linked to the Delta variant. The Agency and Assurance Maladie are inviting all people who have received a first injection with the Janssen vaccine to get a booster jab.

Shots were fired in a police chase in broad daylight in Marseille this morning. Local reports say that police chased a car which refused to stop at a check in the north-west of the city this morning. Two people were reportedly injured when the fugitive's vehicle crashed.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex has started a tour of the French regions to explain the investments in hospitals and nursing homes planned as part of the Ségur de la Santé government health initiative. He sarted the tour in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté today accompanied by Minister of Solidarity and Health, Olivier Veran. Of the 19 billion euros which has been announced for the health sector, the management of 14.5 billion has been entrusted to the Regional Health Agencies and to local elected officials to plan for priority projects over the period 2021- 2029.

The Alpes-Maritime Gendarmerie is warning of a new wave of fake emails nationally throughout France using the name of gendarmeries. They point out that the gendarmerie will never ask you to explain yourself by e-mail and the e-mails should be deleted and reported.

A civil security excercise has been taking place off the coast of the Gard and the Herault departments today. People were warned not to take photos or videos or to encumber the emergency services. The excercise was part of the POLMAR plan, which is a French intervention plan triggered in the event of accidental marine pollution.

A new initiative has been launched in Nice to allow the elderly to try out virtual reality. Deputy Mayor Françoise Monier was present at the Municipal Office for Seniors for the launch of "Lunettes Connectées". Members were able to familiarize themselves with 360 degree virtual reality and try out the experience of traveling to Crete, making a parachute jump and skiing.

The City of Cannes is launching a large-scale operation to repair one of the Riviera's oldest buildings. The Saint-Cassien chapel, which was built in the 14th century,  suffers from being built on a clay soil which generates significant cracks on the facades. Since September, major works have been carried out to consolidate the foundations and restore the chapel.

 

BUSINESS

Facebook has been fined £50.5 million by a UK regulator. The Competition and Markets Authority said that the fine was for breaching an order imposed by the CMA during its investigation into Facebook’s purchase of online database and search company Giphy. The CMA said that Facebook "significantly limited the scope" of information it was required to provide as part of the CMA's investigation into the acquisition.

The annual rate of inflation in the UK fell slightly in September. The Consumer Prices Index rose by 3.1% in the 12 months to September, down from 3.2% in August. Restaurant and hotel prices made the largest downward contribution to the change but the Office for National Statistics said that this was in part because of the recovery of restaurant and cafe prices in September last year following the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. The largest upward contribution came from transport prices.

The head of Germany's central bank, the Deutsche Bundesbank is stepping down. Jens Weidmann said that he would be stepping down at the end of this year after over ten years in the post.


SPORT

Football... Steve Bruce has left Newcastle United by mutual agreement after the recent takeover of the club. Graeme Jones has been appointed interim manager.  Bruce said there had been "highs and lows" and that he hoped the new owners could "take the club forward". Newcastle are currently second from the bottom of the Premier League.

Rugby Union.. Scotland have included 12 uncapped players in their squad for the Autumn Nations Series. Selected players include Ewan Ashman, Rory Darge, Dylan Richardson, Luke Crosbie, Rufus McLean, Jamie Dobie and Ross Thompson. Scotland are playing Tonga, Australia, South Africa and Japan starting on 30 October.

Cricket...Australia fast bowler James Pattinson has announced his retirement from international cricket. Pattinson made his Test debut in 2011 and, amongst other appearances, took 81 wickets in 21 Tests.

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