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News Man shot dead in Saint-Laurent-du Var - A man has been shot dead in Saint Laurent du Var. The shooting broke out on Thursday evening behind the municipal swimming pool in the Saint Joseph district. According to local reports the individual who was in his car at the time, was shot several times. An investigation has been opened to determine the reason behind the shooting. Bomb threats - Bomb threats have reportedly been made against two schools in the Var. Reports say that the threats were made by telephone on Thursday afternoon to the College Albrecht in Sainte Maxime and the Lycee Saint-Exupery in Saint-Raphael. Police were on the scene and all students were taken to a place of safety. Silvio Berlusconi hospitalized in Monaco - The former head of the Italian government Silvio Berlusconi has been urgently admitted to hospital in Monaco after suffering heart problems. The 84-year-old media tycoon is at the Cardiothoracic Hospital in Monaco for tests.' His spokesman said, “he is expected to return home within a few days”. Shuttle service - A maritime shuttle service based in the port of Cap d’Ail for employees working in the Principality is moving forward. The project which has long been in the pipeline looks likely to come to light and plans to reduce traffic on the roads coming into the Principality during rush hour. Figures for January show that on average 16,233 vehicles come into Monaco on a daily basis that’s 3,000 more than the previous year. Solidarity restaurant for students - A solidarity restaurant for students is to soon open its doors in Nice. A first in France and under the leadership and coordination of the city of Nice the restaurant will be exclusively reserved for students. Covid-19 - French Prime Minister Jean Castex has said that the health crisis in France is “under control” but remains “fragile”. Accompanied by six ministers during Thursday’s press conference the Prime Minister expressed his concern about the “emergence of a new, more contagious strain” announcing new health measures in the fight against the spread of Covid-19. Castex confirmed that the current 6pm curfew in some 25 departments of France will be extended from tomorrow Saturday 16th January, across France “for at least 15 days”. He defended this decision saying that “in the 15 departments where it was first put in place on January 2nd, the number of cases was two or three times lower than in other departments”. Border controls - The Prime Minister confirmed tighter border controls from Monday the 18th, with all those wishing to travel to France from a country outside of the European Union having to provide a negative Covid test ahead of departure. They will also have to isolate themselves for seven days upon their arrival, repeating a test at the end of this period. Schools - For schools, Castex said that “it was essential that schools remained open” adding that “the health protocol will be stepped up, testing amongst pupils will continue and be increased and indoor sports activities will be suspended until further notice”. For first year university students, half groups will be able to resume from January 25th. Vaccination campaign - Concerning the vaccination campaign, Castex announced that vaccination in France will be extended to over 75s on Monday as well as those of all ages with chronic illnesses. To make an appointment you can go to the website www.sante.fr or call 0800 009 110. Economy - France’s Finance Minister Bruno le Maire announced that the repayment of the government guaranteed loans will be deferred for one year. Fixed costs of businesses closed or experiencing a “limitation of their activity” due to the pandemic with a monthly turnover of more than one million euros will be covered by up to 70%. This exceptional aid will be added to the solidarity fund. For smaller companies the government will work with MPs to define the best ways to lower the one million euro threshold which can be penalizing for a number of very specific small structures. Bruno le Marie also promised specific aid for wine growers “unfairly” affected by US sanctions linked to Airbus. The Prime Minister warned that a new lockdown was not ruled out and would be introduced “without delay” in the event of a “severe decline of the health situation” stressing that the current situation does not require such a measure. Travel to the UK - Meanwhile the UK government has said that pre-departure Covid-19 testing will now be required for everyone travelling to England from 04:00 GMT on Monday. T |
