French and Riviera News Monday 22nd November 2021

News

Classes closed due to unprecedented wave of covid - Several classes have been closed in Sospel and Castellar due to the increase in covid cases. Two nursery classes and four elementary classes are currently closed in Sospel and from today Monday 22nd November, a class at the Jean Paul Lascaris school in the Castellar will be closed. According to local councils there is an "unprecedented wave of cases" and authorities have asked for the health protocol from the Regional Health Agency to be respected. In the coming days parents have been asked "to not let their children attend class should there be the slightest doubt or sign of any symptoms".

Wastewater in Marseille shows rise of circulation of covid - Meanwhile tests carried out on wastewater in Marseille have shown that the circulation of covid is on the rise, especially in the northern districts of the city. Firefighters from Marseille have been carrying out the tests on several sites as well as training colleagues from other cities in France to be able to do the same.

French spokesman says, "fifth wave of covid is starting in a dazzling way" - On Sunday French government spokesman Gabriel Attal said that the "fifth wave of covid was starting in a dazzling way". Attal went on to announce that there has been an increase of almost 80% in France in just one week with 17,000 daily cases and that the incidence rate which was 100 at the beginning of the week now stands at 164 per 100,000 inhabitants.

Violent covid protests – Meanwhile the French government has announced the arrival on Sunday of police reinforcements in the French territory of Guadeloupe following the ongoing violent covid protests over the weekend. Described as "intolerable and unacceptable" Guadeloupe is feared to be on the verge of a large-scale social conflict as those against health pass rules and compulsory vaccination for healthcare workers continue their unrest. Authorities imposed a nationwide curfew which took effect Friday night.

Shooting in Marseille - A 25-year-old man has been seriously wounded after being shot several times in Marseille. The incident occurred in a bar in the Canet district of the city on Sunday evening. The day before (Saturday) a man was killed in the Belle-de-Mai district. Both cases are not thought to be a settling of accounts. The investigation continues.

HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco puts an end to speculation about Princess Charlene's health - HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco has put an end to the speculation about HSH Princess Charlene's health. In an interview with the American magazine People, the sovereign explains that his wife follows "a real medically supervised treatment" in the face of physical and emotional exhaustion.

Super Mamie 2021 - Marie Galiano has been elected Super Mamie 2021. The 25th edition of Super Mamie France was held on Sunday at the at Palais de la Méditerranée in Nice. Marie Galiano was able to charm the public by being elected unanimously. The 90-year-old retired hotel worker has 6 children, 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Expansion for the Savills French Riviera network - Global real estate advisor Savills has announced the opening of its latest office in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Present within the most prestigious locations on the Côte d'Azur, the opening of the Beaulieu-sur-Mer office is a key addition to the Savills network, within the highly desirable "golden triangle" between Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat and Beaulieu. With the new office comes an experienced team of professional agents, many of whom are local residents whose knowledge and experience will complement the existing office in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, ensuring the Savills network can efficiently and expertly assist clients throughout this sought-after region. You are welcome to visit the team in the new office at 38 boulevard Marinoni, Beaulieu or they can be contacted on beaulieu@savills.com or +33 (0) 4 83 84 84 84

Business

France's Minister of the Sea Annick Girardin, has tried to reassure fishermen in the Hauts de France on Sunday saying during a meeting that she will continue to fight against London on post-Brexit licenses. The minister stressed that "80% of the files" were now settled with "more than 960 licenses" of fishing granted. On Friday President Emmanuel Macron had already tried to reassure fishermen saying, "we will continue to fight, we will not let go of our fishermen" and "before Christmas, France will have taken a position". Eleven months after Brexit, around 150 French boats are still waiting for permits in order to be able to lay their nets in British waters.

France's Prime Minister Jean Castex has unveiled a 1.9 billion euros investment plan for France to remain the world's leading tourist d