Lunchtime News Friday 16th October 2020

Local 

Regional Health Agency report - According to the report published by the Provence-Alpes Côte-d'Azur regional health agency (ARS) one hundred and thirty-four people with Covid-19 are hospitalized in the region that thirteen more than a week ago. The number however still remains below the level of three weeks ago. Among them, nineteen are treated in intensive care.

The estimated reproduction rate of the virus is 1.2 according to Public Health France, which confirms that the epidemic is progressing, with ten patients infecting an average of twelve people.

But the "incidence rate", that is, the number of new cases per 100,000 inhabitants, is declining. It currently stands at 76 (compared to 81 a week ago and 106 two weeks ago).

Number of coronavirus cases - Meanwhile France has reported a large jump in new Covid-19 cases ahead of a night-time curfew being imposed on Paris and eight other cities on Saturday.

A further 30,621 infections were confirmed on Thursday, up from 22,591 the day before.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that tough restrictions are "absolutely necessary" to save lives.

Millions in Europe have been told they must live under strict new measures as governments battle a second wave.

From Saturday, socializing indoor will be banned in London as the UK capital and other areas of England will be put under a higher Covid alert.

Residency card website - The launch of the website for Britons to register for their French residency card has been delayed. French officials have confirmed the brief delay to the site which was expected to open on Thursday 15th October. It is now reported to be postponed until Monday 19th October. 

A spokesperson has said that the reasons were Covid-19-related and not political. 

The website plans to simplify online applications with one visit to prefectures, and cards to be sent in the post.

The link to the new site is http://invite.contacts-demarches.interieur.gouv.fr/   

Charity concert -  A charity concert is taking place this evening in Monaco raising much needed funds to get essential school materials to children in Central America. The concert by Voice in Progress has got a great title! It’s called "Nothing is impossible when you really believe in it". It kicks off at 7.30 this Friday at Théâtre des Variétés in Monaco. For reservations email: info@amlamonaco.com

Medical staff demonstrations - Several hundred health workers have taken to the streets of Paris in protest against conditions in French hospitals, as the number of new coronavirus cases increase across the country.

Doctors, nurses and other health workers gathered in the capital on Thursday with other demonstrations also taking  place in a number of other French cities, including Annecy, Besançon, Saint-Étienne and Rennes.

With infection rates rising and beds in intensive care units (ICU) rapidly filling up, health workers are demanding better salaries, improved working conditions and the hiring of more staff in order to respond to the outbreak.