Sante Publique France have said that there's been a sharp increase in hospitalizations for influenza. In its weekly bulletin published today it said that there's been a continued increase in influenza indicators in all age groups and also a very strong increase in hospitalizations in all age groups. Sante Publique said that to limit the impact of this epidemic, it is important to respect barrier gestures, in particular during the end-of-year celebrations. The organization also said that there's been a continuing decrease in bronchiolitis indicators but cases still remain at a high level.
Meanwhile, the French Health Ministry reminded people today that faced with the flu and Covid-19 epidemics, double vaccination is open to all French people and that for the most fragile and those at risk of serious forms, it's strongly recommended. It said that appointments can be made with the nearest health professional or on http://sante.fr
There are expected to be an average of about two out of three trains running in France this weekend despite industrial action by some train controllers. Exchanges or refunds are available for ticket holders whose train is cancelled. The SNCF have said today that travellers who choose to either exchange or get a refund on their ticket will also receive vouchers worth 200% of their ticket price by filling out an online form which will become available later. Services are expected to be back to normal on Monday. The organization has advised travellers who are taking a train that's still operating to make sure any local TER service they connect with is still running. The SNCF have set up a dedicated web page for this purpose
https://www.sncf.com/fr/itineraire-reservation/recherche-numero-train Details of specific trains can also be found on the SNCF Assistant App.
Motorway operator VINCI Autoroutes have said that traffic is expected to be heavy this weekend in most areas served by its network. On the A8 motorway, traffic is expected to increase around major cities tomorrow and then on Christmas Day at the end of the afternoon and the beginning of the evening. The organization also advises motorists to be well prepared in case of a change in weather conditions.
Cash and credit card receipts will no longer be printed automatically in businesses in Monaco from January 1st. However, customers can still request a receipt. The change is part of the government's "zero single-use plastic waste by 2030" policy. Also from 1st January, meals taken on site, within the confines of a catering establishment, must be served in reusable crockery. The new measures complement several other measures which came into force between 2021 and 2022.
BUSINESS
UK government borrowings last the month were the largest since comparable records began in 1993. According to the Office for National Statistics, public sector net borrowing, excluding public sector banks, was £22 billion, which was £13.9 billion more than in November 2021. It was £16.2 billion more than before the pandemic in November 2019.
UK retailers reported an unexpected rebound in sales volume growth in the year to December, according to a new survey from the CBI. 11% more retailers said that they recorded sales growth than those which experienced decline in the year to December, which was better than expected in November. But retailers do not expect the recovery to continue into the new year, anticipating that sales will decline again in the year to January.
SPORT
Football... Manchester United have triggered one-year contract extensions for four players. They are Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot and Fred. All four would otherwise have been free to leave Old Trafford in June.
Chelsea have appointed Christopher Vivell as technical director. He was most recently responsible for recruitment at Budesliga side RB Leipzig in his native Germany.
Cricket... Melbourne Renegades have beaten Brisbane Heat by four wickets in the Big Bash League. The defeat came despite Michael Neser taking a hat-trick.
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