Lunchtime news update Thursday 21st May 2020

Borders - Following a meeting of EU ministers on Wednesday, no common policy was adopted on the reopening of European  borders. Tourists from European Union countries will have to wait until June 15th, before confirming travel plans to France and popular tourist destinations such as the French Riviera.

Bank holiday rush - With many coastal areas in France having now reopened to the public. France is preparing for the first bank holiday rush since the lockdown was lifted.

Warm weather and the lifting of lockdown measures may see many take to the road today. French traffic monitoring service Bison Futé has warned of busy roads across France particularly around big cities such as Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux and Lille.

France’s government has reminded people to continue to respect the 100km travel limitation as well as respect hygiene measures in place. Just days after reopening, three towns in Brittany, on the Atlantic coast announced on Wednesday they were forced to close their beaches, due to measures not being respected.

The next phase of easing the lockdown restrictions in France is due to be announced by President Emmanuel Macron on 2 June.

Phase 3 of progressive end to lockdown in Monaco from June 3rd - Meanwhile the Monegasque government-ministers Didier Gamerdinger (Social Affairs and Health) and Jean Castellini (Finance and Economy) have announced the introduction of how phase 3 of the Principality's progressive end to lockdown will work.

The changes planned from June 2nd, will see several economic sectors reopen, all depending on the development of the health crisis.

In the Principality restaurants, bars, museums and casinos are  set to reopen on 2nd June. All will be subject to social distancing and new hygiene measures. Checks will be carried out by state departments. Theatres, nightclubs, gyms and spas along with swimming pools will be reviewed on a case by case basis from June 2nd.

In other news 

18  year old dies after a fight in Six Four in the Var - An investigation has been opened by police in Six-Four in the Var after an 18 year old died following a fight which broke out in the early hours of Thursday morning. The 18-year-old man was found unconscious by emergency services. Despite rapid rescue intervention the victim died from his injuries.

Body of missing Gérard Bastini found by police - The body of a 64-year-old father who went missing in February 2018 has been found by police in Mont-Boron in Nice. Father of two Gérard Bastiani had not been seen since leaving his mother’s home in Cimiez two years age. Police made the discovery on May 3rd, on the hillside  of Mont-Boron, leading to Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Diversions for traffic and pedestrians in Monaco on Sunday 24th due to filming - Parts of the Principality will be closed to traffic and pedestrians on May 24th due to filming.

As part of the filming of a short film, with Monaco's F1 champion Charles Leclerc at the wheel, the tracks of the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix will be closed to traffic and pedestrians on Sunday, May 24, 2020 between 6:45 a.m. and 9 a.m.

For a full list of roads concerned go to rivieraradio.mc

Officials thank residents for their understanding, and excuse the inconvenience caused inviting them, from their balconies overlooking the circuit, to enjoy the show!

 

 

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