Lunchtime News Friday 11th March 2022

News

PACA region votes in favour of emergency plan for Ukraine - The Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur region has voted in favour of a vast “Ukraine solidarity” plan for “the humanitarian emergency” and “sectors affected by the crisis”. The regional assembly has drawn up a series of measures in solidarity with Ukraine and Ukrainians on Thursday at an exceptional meeting launching a four million euros emergency plan. Amongst the measures there will be free public transport for Ukrainian refugees proving their nationality by means of an identity card, passport or residence permit. High schools and boarding schools in the region are to provide accommodation and their meals will also be covered by the regional solidarity fund for catering. This aid concerns Ukrainian, but also Russian and Belarusian students who could find themselves in difficulty for the continuation of their studies in the region.

Fewer covid patients in hospital, slight increase in number of cases - Latest figures from Public Health France show that there are currently fewer covid patients hospitalised in France but there is a slight increase in the number of covid cases. The number of new cases stands at 74,818, compared to 60,225 a week ago. Last week French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced the end of wearing a mask, except in transport, and the suspension of the vaccination pass, from March 14th. The corporate health protocol will also be lifted on Monday.

Monaco - In Monaco on Thursday 32 new cases of covid were identified bringing the total number of residents affected to 9,686. Eighteen people are currently in hospital and 126 are being followed by the Home Monitoring Centre.

Action plan against bed bugs - The French government has published its action plan against bed bugs. In Marseille bed bugs are a particular problem appearing in libraries, schools, hospitals and some residences. On Thursday, the Ministries of Energy Transition, Housing and Health announced a comprehensive three-year action plan (2022-2024) to combat their proliferation. The government also plans to create a certification for professionals acting against bed bugs, with appropriate training. Since 2020, a Freephone number (0 806 706 806) has been set up to inform members of the public.

Michelangelo statues return to Louvre - Two Michelangelo statues have returned to the Louvre in Paris after restoration. "The Rebellious Slave" and "The Dying Slave" as well as several other major sculptures from the collections of the Louvre Museum, were presented to the press on Thursday after their restoration. They will soon be on public display.

EuroMillions win for family in the Var - A lucky family in the Var has won a million euros in the EuroMillions. On Tuesday, March 1st, a jackpot of 66 million euros was put into play during the Euromillions draw. While no one managed to pick all the winning numbers, several prizes were distributed, including the family from Flayosc who won the My Million prize of 1 million euros.

 

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