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.

 

 

Last local news

Evening Update Wednesday 29 October 2025

A ceremony took place in Nice this morning to mark the fifth anniversary of the attack at the Notre-Dame Basilica ... Evening Update Wednesday 29 October 2025 Read More

29/10/2025

French and Riviera News Wednesday 29th October 2025

Income from fixed speed cameras in France fell by €76 million in 2024, dropping to €889 million from €965 million in 2023. The fall comes after many c... French and Riviera News Wednesday 29th October 2025 Read More

29/10/2025

Evening Update Tuesday 28 October 2025

There’s been a large increase in unemployment in France. Just over 3.2 million people were completely unemployed in the third quarter... Evening Update Tuesday 28 October 2025 Read More

28/10/2025

French and Riviera News Tuesday 28th October 2025

Carmaker Renault has issued a recall in France for six car models after a fault was found in the automatic handbrake system that could cause vehicles ... French and Riviera News Tuesday 28th October 2025 Read More

28/10/2025

Evening Update Monday 27 October 2025

Traffic is still disrupted early this evening on the A8 motorway near Antibes after a major vehicle fire earlier today. The carriageway in the directi... Evening Update Monday 27 October 2025 Read More

27/10/2025