Lunchtime News Friday 25th September 2020

Local 

Covid-19 Monaco - Six new positive cases for Covid-19 have been reported in Monaco on Thursday. To date the total number of residents affected by the coronavirus stands at 205.

Ten patients are currently hospitalised at the Princess Grace Hospital including six residents and 28 people are being followed by the Home Monitoring Center.

Genoa wearing a mask becomes compulsory 24 hours a day – Meanwhile over the border in Italy measures have been stepped up to fight against the rise in coronavirus cases in the city of Genoa where wearing a mask will now be compulsory 24 hours a day even outdoors and regardless of the distance between people.

The city center has registered 63 new cases in the last 24 hours.

Prime Minister announces increase of solidarity fund for restaurants and bars forced to close due to Covid-19 - French Prime Minister Jean Castex has said during a television broadcast on Thursday evening that in response to restaurants and bars having to close the aid provided to businesses by the solidarity fund will "increase", and will now allow "to cover fixed costs of up to 10,000 euros during the closure period”.

Speaking on France 2 television Castex said the current aid of 1,500 euros per month, which is accessible to very small businesses, self-employed and micro-entrepreneurs will be increased.

In addition, the Prime Minister has promised to exempt restaurants from social charges "corresponding to the period when they are closed". They will also be able to place their employees on partial unemployment.

These exemptions will be available for all companies forced to close but also for those subject to restrictions if their turnover is cut by at least 50%.

Forest fire - A forest fire has broken out in the Esterel. Firefighters intervened this morning and were still battling the blaze by late morning due to strong winds in the area. Flames have reportedly destroyed at least one hectare of forest land.

Truck driver arrested for not paying motorway tolls - A truck driver has been arrested after not paying his motorway tolls for two years.

Police arrested the motorist on the A89 in Dordogne for fraud. The man practiced the technique of the "pousette" sticking as close at possible to the vehicle in front of him to prevent the barrier from closing.

Application to protect marine environment - A new free application called “Donia” has been launched to protect the marine environment. The app is to avoid vessels in the Mediterranean from dropping anchor wherever suits in an attempt to protect the seabed.

Boat captains and fishermen will be able to follow the developments in the maritime domain in real time and exchange information while helping to protect marine ecosystems.

In the Alpes-Maritimes a law passed in June of last year prohibits anchoring in areas that may "undermine conservation, or lead to the destruction, alteration or degradation of protected marine plant species ".

Monte-Carlo Gala - Helen Mirren, Kate Beckinsale and Sting were amongst a star-studded line up which joined Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco as they hosted the annual Monte-Carlo Gala on Thursday evening here in the Principality on the Terrace of the Monte-Carlo Casino.

The Monte Carlo Gala is a major fundraising event which supports worldwide initiatives in favour of a sustainable planet.

National 

Poll shows majority in favour of school uniforms - A recent poll carried out in France has shown that 63% of French parents are in favour of uniforms being introduced in French schools.

The result echoes the words of the Minister of Education who had earlier this week advocated the introduction of school uniforms. The minister comments came as school girls across France were protesting against the “correct dress code” which is imposed on young girls in school.

And Finally 

A tiny "teapot" found during a lockdown clear-out has sold for £390,000 at auction. The object, may have belonged to a chineses emperor and  was found in Derbyshire by the 51-year-old as he went through boxes in a garage.

It was expected to fetch between £20,000 and £40,000 but instead sold for more than the average house. The anonymous seller, who almost took it to a charity shop, said he might use the cash to buy a metal detector.