The President of the Scientific Council Jean-Francois Delfraissy has said that France will probably have a "gradual rise" of the delta variant in July and August. Speaking to French media this morning he said that if we have only one dose of a vaccine we are insufficiently protected against the variant. He encouraged people who are unvaccinated to get vaccinated and especially try to get both doses before September. Health Minister Olivier Veran said this morning that the level of appointments for first vacciations is rising again, increasing by 10 - 20 per cent this week.
Meanwhile, the Landes department in south-west France has decided to delay the lifting of coronavirus restrictions which are being removed in the rest of France today. The prefect said that the proportion of delta variant cases in the department is "significantly higher" than elsewhere in France. Current restrictions will remain in place until 6 July inclusive.
Locally, vaccinations are available at the Cap3000 shopping centre in Saint-Laurent-du-Var from today until 7 July. Vaccinations are available from 10am to 8pm without an appointment and are also available for over 12's with parental presence required.
Firefighters in the Var have been tackling several fires in undergrowth today. A fire broke out in straw in the municipality of Vinon-sur-Verdon this morning. Early this afternoon traffic on the RD98 was disrupted because of a fire in the Campaux area near Bormes-les-Mimosas. Late this afternoon they were also attending a forest fire near the RD53 at La Combe near Seillans. Firefighters in the department have warned of strong winds today and have asked the public to contact emergency services in the event of seeing an outbreak of fire.
A new survey has shown that nearly one in two French people are overweight or obese. The national survey by the League Against Obesity showed that 17% of the French population suffers from obesity, which amounts to about 8.5 million people, and about 30 per cent of the population are overweight.
BUSINESS
The UK economy contracted slightly more in the first quarter of this year than was previous thought. The Office for National Statistics said that UK GDP is estimated to have decreased by 1.6% in the period, revised from the first estimate of a 1.5% decline.
Retailer Dixons Carphone has reported online sales of electrical products up by 103% in the year to 1 May compared to the previous year. Alex Baldock, Group Chief Executive said that technology has become even more central to people’s lives. Speaking to the BBC he said that the change would be "structural" and "permanent". The company operates across the UK & Ireland, the Nordic countries and in Greece with brands including Currys PC World and Carphone Warehouse.
SPORT
Euro 2020... After last nights last-16 matches, the tournament is entering the quarter finals stage. On Friday Switzerland play Spain at 6pm and and Belgium play Italy at 9pm. On Saturday the Czech Republic play Denmark at 6pm and England play Ukraine at 9pm.
Tour de France... Tadej Pogačar has won todays stage 5 time trial and moves into second place overall. Mathieu van der Poel keeps the yellow jersey.
Tennis.... At Wimbledon today, Novak Djokovic has beaten Kevin Anderson in straight sets to reach third round and Cameron Norrie defeated Lucas Pouille. Number 3 seed Elina Svitolina beat Alison Van Uytvanck. French player Alize Cornet is through to the next round after defeating fifth seed Bianca Andreescu 6-2 6-1. Paula Badosa defeated Aliona Bolsova. Matteo Berrettini defeated Guido Pella, Jeremy Chardy beat Aslan Karatsev and Cristian Garin beat Bernabe Zapata Miralles.
Football.... Everton have appointed Rafael Benitez as their new manager. He has signed a three-year deal and succeeds Carlo Ancelotti.
Leicester have signed Patson Daka from RB Salzburg on a five-year-deal. The Zambia international has scored 61 times in his last 87 club matches and was named the Austrian Bundesliga's player of the season.
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White smoe Is billowing from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel meaning A new pope has just been chosen! 133 cardinals have gathered in the Sistine cha...
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No new pope has been elected yet, as black smoke signalled another inconclusive vote during the conclave in the morning of Thursday the 8th of May. ...
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Unions at the SNCF have announced new strike action for June 4th, 5th, and 11th, following ongoing disruptions to train services in France during the ...
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