Lunchtime News Wednesday 26th May 2021

News 

Protecting people’s privacy when using covid app - France is working to address fears over protecting people’s privacy when linking the covid “health pass”, to the government’s contact-tracing smartphone app.  The health passes are to be hosted on TousAntiCovid, a voluntary app that will soon be expanded to also track coronavirus cases in restaurants, bars and gyms.

Both the passes and contact tracing will take effect from 9th June, when France further relaxes its coronavirus restrictions. Digital Affairs Minister Cedric O has warned of sanctions against “unauthorised professionals” who illegally ask to see the passes, which are meant for gatherings of 1,000 people or more – and only under certain circumstances.

France’s Pasteur Institute is confident covid infections will remain under control - Meanwhile researchers at France’s Pasteur Institute have said that they are confident covid infections will remain under control in France until at least the autumn. The comments come as Europe eases travel restrictions and France prepares to further relax measure on June 9th. The Institute had previously warned against France reopening too soon, but due to a steady drop in the number of cases it has since put the risk of a fourth virus wave at almost zero.

In other news 

Tax declarations -In the Alpes-Maritimes, you have until midnight tonight to declare your taxes online. In the Var, the deadline is June 8th. Beyond these dates, you will be exposed to penalties.

Artistic director of SBM Jean-René Palacio has died at the age of 67 - Jean-René Palacio, artistic director of the SBM in Monaco and Jazz in Juan, has died at the age of 67. For two decades, Palacio programmed all the biggest names in music from James Brown to Diana Ross creating the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival in 2005.

Blood donations - The Prefect of the Var has called on people to donate blood, saying that stocks are running low, especially in blood types O and B. To make an appointment to donate blood see the website https://mon-rdv-dondesang.efs.sante.fr/

Last local news

Evening Update Friday 16 May 2025

A man has fallen to his death after apparently climbing up the front of his apartment building in Marseille. ... Evening Update Friday 16 May 2025 Read More

16/05/2025

French and Riviera News Friday 16th May 2025

Cagnes-sur-Mer council has decided to temporarily close two of the town’s beaches due to suspected oil pollution. The slick was observed off the coast... French and Riviera News Friday 16th May 2025 Read More

16/05/2025

Weather Forecast - Friday 16th May 2025

The Var and the Alpes Maritimes department have been placed on a yellow weather warning due rain, flooding, and thunderstorms today. ... Weather Forecast - Friday 16th May 2025 Read More

16/05/2025

Evening Update Thursday 15th May 2025

Monaco is set to take a historic step by voting on a bill to legalize abortion (IVG), currently only permitted in rare cases. ... Evening Update Thursday 15th May 2025 Read More

15/05/2025

French and Riviera News Thursday 15th May 2025

- A taxi driver has been charged by French police with the theft of luggage and cash from UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his wife, Nicola Green,... French and Riviera News Thursday 15th May 2025 Read More

15/05/2025