Lunchtime News Wednesday 12th May 2021

News

Covid infections rates at their lowest in a year - New Covid-19 infections rates in France are at their lowest in a year, as all adults, regardless of age or health status, are allowed to be vaccinated, if they can find an appointment within 24 hours. Covid hospitalisations are falling, down 638 to 25,028, with 4,743 patients in intensive care units. Some 18 million people in France have received a first jab, getting close to the government’s goal of vaccinating 20 million, or a third of the population, by mid-may.

Government advises people to adapt their summer holidays around the vaccination calendar -Meanwhile the French government has called on people to “adapt” their summer holidays to their Covid vaccination appointments. On Tuesday France’s Health Minister announced that the “second dose must take place in the same vaccination centre as the first dose”. While the French government does intend to send more doses to tourist areas allowing some to get their second dose in their holiday region, this must remain the "exception".

In other news

Regional politics - The president of the PACA region Renaud Muselier has confirmed the mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi, as head of the Republican Party list in the Alpes-Maritimes. The last week has seen turmoil in regional politics following the announcement of a possible agreement between the Republicans and the presidential majority LREM. Christian Estrosi has not yet spoken following this announcement. Meanwhile a recent poll carried out by Ipsos and published on Tuesday has shown that the National Rally is largely the favourite of the regional elections on June 20th and 27th in the PACA region.

Busy weekend on the roads - As people head off today ahead of the long bank holiday weekend, Bison Futé has warned of heavy traffic on the roads. Many are expected to make the most of the end to the 10km travel limit with routes between major cities and the nearest beaches being very busy throughout the weekend, especially if the weather is good. In the direction of the departures, Bison Futé foresees difficulties this afternoon and late on Thursday morning. And traffic is expected to be busy on Sunday as people return. Today traffic is classified orange at a national level.

 

 

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