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Covid death toll exceeds 100,000 in France - The official death toll from Covid has exceeded 100,000 in France, with a further 300 dying in the last 24 hours according to figures released on Thursday April 15th. According to Public Health France, 100,073 people have died from Covid (73,000 in hospitals and 26,000 in nursing homes).
With over 5,900 patients currently in intensive care, the highest level since spring 2020, France is currently in the throes of a severe third wave and is the third country in Europe to reach the grim milestone of 100,000 coronavirus deaths, after the United Kingdom and Italy. Worldwide, the US has the highest death toll, with over half a million, followed by Brazil.
Elderly hardest hit by Covid - Since the start of the pandemic, the elderly have been the hardest hit in France: among deaths in hospitals, those over 70 represent 85% of the victims. And there are more male deaths in all age groups except the over 90s, which is 74% women.
Emmanuel Macron tweet - On Thursday French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted; “We all have a thought for the families, loved ones, for the children who have lost a parent or grandparent, the bereaved siblings, the broken friendships” adding that “If all our energy is now focused on ending this ordeal, we will not forget any face or name."
Macron had on Thursday chaired a meeting with a dozen ministers to examine the protocols for reopening the terraces of cafes and restaurants and certain cultural places from mid-May saying, that terraces and museums will be the first to reopen.
Vaccination – From this weekend "dedicated vaccination slots" for certain professionals will be available. 400,000 professionals over the age of 55 are concerned, in particular, teachers, police officers, gendarmes, and prison administration supervisors. While the pace of vaccinations has shot up in recent weeks, France is still lagging behind the US and Britain and several other countries. So far it has administered 15.75 million shots compared with 40.96 million in Britain.
Health measures in Monaco - In changes to health measures announced by the Monaco government on Thursday April 15th, restaurants will be able to open in the evenings until 9.30pm but will still only be accessible to Monaco residents and those staying in hotels in the Principality. As from 19th April until 3rd May, the curfew hours in Monaco will be 9pm to 6am but with an exemption until 10pm for customers of restaurants. Outdoor sports at the Principality's schools will be permitted from 26th April.
The government said that vaccination is being opened to residents aged 45 to 54 and a letter from the Minister of State will be sent today to invite people to express their wish to be vaccinated. The government said that all vaccinations are being carried out with the Pfizer vaccine and they are also waiting for the Moderna vaccine.
Minister of State Pierre Dartout said that the health situation shows that the measures put in place have slowed the circulation of the virus, but it is necessary to remain vigilant and cautious. He said that the incidence rate has been divided by three in one month and the government is proceeding "to a measured, controlled, contained, targeted reopening of certain activities" such as restaurants in the evening and sports in schools.
He added that Monaco takes its own decisions with regard to its own situation but also in reciprocal solidarity with France, with care being given to patients from neighboring municipalities at the hospital in Monaco and vaccines being supplied by France.
Historic Grand Prix - The Monaco government has given details of spectator numbers which will be allowed for the Historic Monaco Grand Prix, which is scheduled to take place from 23-25 April. Only the qualifying races and the race itself will be open to the public, with the track being closed to spectators on the Friday. Only 6,500 members of the public will be allowed to be present in the stands, which is about one third of normal capacity. All spectators must be Monaco residents, employees or clients of hotels in the Principality. Restaurants will be able to be open continuously until 9.30pm during the Historic Grand Prix weekend but there will be no sale or consumption of alcohol on public roads. Similar measures will apply to the e-Prix on the 8th May, but the government said that no decisions have yet been made about the Formula 1 Grand Prix later in May as measures will depend on the health situation.
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