News
Seven-day isolation for people arriving from the UK, but no systematic home checks - France’s minister of foreign affairs has announced that while travellers from the UK will have to isolate for seven days on their arrival in France from Monday the “systematic home check will not be applied”.
In a press release published on Thursday May 27th the government confirmed that "as of Monday, May 31st, a compelling reason will be required for foreign nationals outside the European Union non-resident in France arriving from the United Kingdom", and that "on their arrival, they will have to respect a seven day isolation period”.
Despite concerns around the Indian variant, France’s Foreign Office indicated that the systematic home screening of travellers from the United Kingdom will not be applied "given the low incidence of Covid in Britain".
In addition, "a PCR or antigen test of less than 48 hours will be required from any person arriving in France from the United Kingdom".
Exit from state of emergency and health pass - Meanwhile on Thursday France’s Parliament adopted the gradual exit from the state of emergency and the health pass. The final vote confirmed the end of the state of emergency in France for September 30th and the introduction of a health pass.
Attending the Cannes Film Festival - The new measures for people travelling from the UK to France could deter British film makers and press from attending the upcoming Cannes Film Festival. After delays caused by Covid, the festival confirmed that it would be taking place in early July. A spokesperson for the festival said they were attempting to find a way to accommodate participants following the further restrictions announced this week.
Doctors advise people to continue to respect barrier gestures - As the vaccination gains ground in France, doctors have expressed their concern of people not respecting barrier gestures after receiving the first dose.
Nearly 24 million French people have already received at least one dose of a vaccine against covid, according to the latest data from health authorities. Doctors, however, are seeing first time vaccinated patients infected with covid and in response have underlined that “while the first injection offers some immunity, the second dose remains essential”.
Vaccination open to all adults - Since Thursday 27th May it's been possible for all adults in France to make an appointment to be vaccinated from Monday May 31st. New appointment slots will be posted every day on the various French vaccination platforms such as www.sante.fr and www.doctolib.fr
If the health situation in France has improved in recent weeks, covid continues to circulate. More than 500 people have been hospitalized for covid cases, every day over the last seven days, and an average of 140 in intensive care. 116 people have died from covid in the last 24 hours.
Summer sales postponed to 30th June – The summer sales in France, initially planned from June 23rd have been postponed until June 30th. Last year the summer sales were postponed to early July instead of mid-June which had particularly harmed Parisian businesses due to many in the capital leaving to go on vacation and a lack of international tourists.
Study - According to a study published today 1,700 cases of breast cancer per year in France are the consequence of exposure to atmospheric pollutants. The study conducted by researchers from Inserm shows that air pollutants not only increase the risk of lung cancer, but they are also suspected to be a risk factor for breast cancer.
Warmer weather to return - Météo France has announced a return to "warmer weather" from this weekend. After a month of May with abnormally low temperatures, between two to three degrees below the seasonal norms sunshine and warmer temperatures are to return for the weekend and into next week.
Business
The number of Americans filing new unemployment claims dropped more than expected last week to a 14 month low of 406,000 as pandemic restrictions continue to be lifted.
A separate report issued on Thursday showed that business spending on equipment is picking up speed.
The data helped to lift US Treasury yields with the benchmark ten year note reaching a high of 1.625 percent.
Investors have been closely watching economic data and comments from the Federal Reserve for signs of runaway inflation and the possibility that the central bank may begin to pull back on its massive stimulus measures.
Fed officials have repeatedly maintained in recent days that the central bank is not ready to adjust its monetary support although some have suggested that they are open to start discussions about a reduction in the bond buying programme.
Both Dell and HP have reported quarterly revenue to beat Wall Street estimates as customers continued to shop for personal computers despite pandemic led restrictions being eased in many parts of the world.
However, shares in both firms fell after they warned that the ongoing computer chip shortage could impact their ability to meet demand for laptops this year.
Shares in Dell fell by 1% while HP was down by as much as 6%.
The firms say that the component supply situation remains constrained and rising costs would hit operating income in the current quarter.
HP said the shortages would limit its ability to supply personal computer devices and printers at least until the end of the year.
Both firms remain bullish on the overall market and are expecting a surge in demand for laptops as remote working and schooling continues.
And – Airbnb has extended its ban on house parties until at least the end of the summer despite the easing of coronavirus restrictions in some countries.
Occupancy will remain limited to 16 people with a few exceptions for some venues.
The firm said that the indefinite ban which was first introduced in August 2020 is in the best interests of public health.
Airbnb also said that the policy had proved to be popular with the hosts.
The firm says that it will pursue legal action if guests or hosts break the rules.
The company says that it wants to be a good community player all over the world.
In the US, Canada,France and UK guests under the age of 25 have been barred from renting entire homes in their local areas.
Sport
Football – The final of the European Champions League is being played in Porto tomorrow night with Manchester City facing Chelsea in an all English clash.
City are favourites to win and have been in great form recently while Chelsea have been stuttering of late and only just made the top four in the English Premier League at the end of the season.
Kickoff is at 9 pm tomorrow night.
It’s the final of the Championship play-off tomorrow at Wembley Stadium.
Brentford play Swansea City to see who will fill the last Premier League place for next season.
Cricket – England fast bowler Jofra Archer says that he is ready to sit out the summer in order to be fit for the T-20 World Cup and the Ashes later this year.
The 26-year-old had surgery on his right elbow last week and has now started rehabilitation with the England and Sussex medical teams.
Archer says that he is not going to rush his comeback and wants to be fully fit for the big challenges to come.
Rugby union – There are two games in the Gallagher English Premiership tonight. Gloucester play London Irish and Sale play Bristol.
In the Guinness pro 14 Rainbow Cup Munster play Cardiff Blues.
Tennis-Rafael Nadal could meet Novak Djokovic in the French open semifinals after the pair landed in the same half of the men’s draw.
34-year-old Nadal is the defending champion and has won Roland Garros 13 times but he’s seeded third behind Djokovic and Daniel Medvedev.
The eighth seed Roger Federer has also been drawn in the same half.
In the women’s draw the Australian world number one Ashleigh Barty will start against Barnarda Pera of the USA.
The Japanese second seed Naomi Osaka plays Patricia Maria Tig of Romania.
The French Open starts on Sunday.
Weather
Partially cloudy with light variable winds.
Top temperature 21 degrees.
Overnight lows of 15 degrees with partially cloudy skies.
The weekend-Mainly fine tomorrow with a high 23.Sunshine and showers on Sunday with a high of 22-23 degrees.
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