Lunchtime News Tuesday 1st June 2021

News

Death toll for winter ski season much higher than previous years - According to the National Association for Snow and Avalanche Research (ANENA), thirty-nine people were killed in avalanches in France this winter, a toll much higher than in previous years due in part to covid restrictions. The increase is blamed on Nordic skiing, which saw a resurgence this year as ski lifts were closed for most of the season as part of measures to curb the spread of covid. The weather was another key factor with "generally unstable snow cover for much of the season" in the Alps.

Alpes Maritimes reports lowest covid incidence rate in France - Latest local figures for covid have shown that the Alpes Maritimes has the lowest incidence rate in France. Figures from Public Health France on Monday May 31st saw the incidence rate continue to fall dropping to just under 30 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

Member of scientific council predicts “calm summer” - Meanwhile a senior member of the Institute Pasteur has said that France is on track for a “calm summer” and will avoid a fourth wave of covid if the health situation continues to improve over the next ten days. In an interview with Le Journal du Dimanche Professor Arnaud Fontanet, member of government’s scientific council, said he was optimistic about the months ahead leading up to June 9th which marks the next stage in the progressive end to lockdown.

New Statue of Liberty to be sent to the US - 135 years after the Statue of Liberty was sent to New York City in 1886 France is to send a new statue. The statue is a replica of the original and will “pay homage to all those who enabled the installation of the first Statue of Liberty, and those who have fought for what she represents all over the world”. It will also act as a symbol of renewed Franco-US relations.

 

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