Lunchtime News Friday 2nd July 2021

News

Delta variant in the PACA - The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Health Agency has warned of the increase, in one week, in the proportion of people tested positive for the covid Delta variant.  This variant appears to be more contagious than the Alpha variant, up to 60% according to some studies.

A cluster of about fifteen people was detected in Antibes (Alpes-Maritimes), a first case was identified in the Hautes-Alpes, and to prevent the spread of cases, the Var department has maintained restrictions, at least until July 16th with the wearing of masks outdoors not completely lifted and the ban on alcohol consumption on public roads is extended.

However, the number of hospitalizations continues to decline, and the incidence rate in the region has even decreased, from 17 from June 14th to 20th to 13 from 21st to 27th.

In the region, according to the latest ARS report, 48% of the population has received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 34% have completed the vaccination schedule.

Speaking to French media the head of staff at the Prefect Benoit Huber, said that If the contaminations continue, "we will have to put in place restrictions, and in particular, why not, a curfew" he added “we know what we're going to do, but the goal is not to have to do it."

Vaccination centre in Nice tagged with anti-vaccine slogans - A vaccination center in Nice has been tagged with anti-vaccines slogans. The vaccination center on Boulevard Comte-de-Falicon was tagged overnight from Wednesday to Thursday and the city council  has since filed a complaint. An investigation has been opened which will include the use of video surveillance cameras in the city.

Survey shows that majority of French in favour of compulsory covid vaccination - According to a recent survey published in Le Figaro the French are mostly in favour of compulsory covid vaccination.  58% of respondents are in favor of compulsory vaccination compared to 38% last November. More than half of French people are in favour of compulsory vaccination caregivers and for the entire population. However the most reluctant category was young people with over 55% of 18 to 34 year olds opposed to it.

Fashion retailers suspected of concealing crimes against humanity - French prosecutors have opened an investigation into four fashion retailers suspected of concealing "crimes against humanity" in China. The procedure is linked to accusations against China over its treatment of workers, including the use of forced labour, China denies all accusations of abuse.

 

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