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Month: February 2020

Early pollen alert

by: Stephanie Horsman
25/02/2020

The mild winter has triggered a particularly early pollen season and several French departments, including the Alpes-Maritimes, are on high alert.

The National Aerobiological Surveillance Network (RNSA) has warned the public of excessively heavy pollen lasting from late winter into spring this year, creating a nightmare for allergy sufferers.

Along with the usual mimosa that typically comes to the region in February, this year the cypress will come early putting most of southern France on either alert or red alert. The Alpes-Maritimes is currently facing an alert situation, though this could change at any time for better or worse.

Experts forecast the high levels of cypress pollens will last for at least another month in the Mediterranean followed by the usual spring cocktail of grasses and flowers that accompany the warmer weather. They also believe that the early arrival of these pollens will likely become our norm as climate change continues to affect the planet. 

Those with serious allergies should avoid heavy outdoor exercise, dry clothing indoors, avoid driving with windows down and only air homes in the morning or evening when pollen is at its lowest levels to lessen the risk of reaction.

Some of the most common symptoms of allergies include itchy, watery eyes, runny or congested nose, cough, sneezing, conjunctivitis and rhinitis.

 
 

Coronavirus latest

by: Cassandra Tanti
25/02/2020

While tests have cleared two suspected cases of coronavirus in Monaco, Nice has set up a dedicated unit as the ‘first line’ of treatment in the region. Meanwhile, as Italy’s economy takes a battering due to the recent outbreak, it is important to note that the regular flu has killed more people than Covid-19 this winter season.
The Monaco Government confirmed on Tuesday that samples taken from two patients treated in Monaco are negative of the Covid-19.
The possible cases sparked panic early in the week, as it was revealed that more than 250 people have been infected by the coronavirus in neighbouring northern Italy, seven people have since died, and 50,000 others remain in quarantine.
The Principality is naturally edgy given around 6,000 Italians travel into Monaco each day for work.
But Giovanni Paolo Risso, head of Monaco’s Italian association AIIM, told Monaco Life that he thinks the situation is being exaggerated by the media. “My opinion is that, in the typical Italian way, we have panicked and started testing everyone. The people who have died in Italy were all elderly, and some are questioning whether they even died from coronavirus or an underlying illness. I don’t think we should panic because it is getting too ridiculous now.”
Anyone returning to France from affected regions in Italy have been advised to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Meanwhile, there are reports of empty supermarket shelves across the region amid fears the Alpes-Maritimes and Monaco will be placed on lockdown like Northern Italy. Families are also questioning whether to send their children back to school next week.
But as a reminder, at the time of publication, there have been no confirmed cases of coronavirus in the French Riviera or Monaco.

No pandemic

In its international address on Monday, the World Health Organisation said the coronavirus situation had not reached the pandemic level.
“Our decision about whether to use the word ‘pandemic” to describe an epidemic is based on an ongoing assessment of the geographical spread of the virus, the severity of disease it causes and the impact it has on the whole of society,” WHO General Director Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. “For the moment, we are not witnessing the uncontained global spread of this virus, and we are not witnessing large-scale severe disease or death.”
So far, just over 80,000 cases of coronavirus have been detected globally, with 2,707 deaths.
WHO-China research teams found that the fatality rate is between 2% and 4% in Wuhan, and 0.7% outside Wuhan. They found that for people with mild disease, recovery time is about two weeks, while people with severe or critical disease recover within three to six weeks.
To put it into perspective, there have been two coronavirus deaths in France and 10 in Italy. Meanwhile, the current seasonal flu epidemic in France has already killed 44 people.

Italy’s economy slumps

But Italy, the fifth most visited country in the world, is already taking an economic hit from the new strain.
Lorenzo Codogno, head of London-based LC Macro Advisors and a former chief economist at the Italian Treasury, told AFP that he is now forecasting a GDP drop of between 0.5% and 1% in the first quarter, plunging Italy into its fourth recession since 2008.
Lombardy, around the financial capital Milan, and Veneto account for around a third of Italian GDP and half its exports.
“The first impact will be on tourism and retailing, with people staying at home and cancelling hotel reservations,” Codogno told AFP. “But even more damaging will be the later impact on companies through disruptions in supply chains.”
A-League football games are being held behind closed doors while politicians call for a postponement of Milan Design Week due at the end of April, attended last year by almost 400,000 people.

Health plan in action

It was announced during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon that a special unit has been opened in the Archet Hospital in Nice, and is designed to admit patients without them having to come into contact with other members of the public or staff. The CHU and the Regional Health Authority also confirmed that samples taken from patients can now be analysed on site. Previously, the samples had to be sent to Marseille, delaying diagnosis. It means tests taken in Monaco will also be sent to Nice for quick analysis.
While Nice is the ‘first line’ of treatment, four other hospitals in the region have been classified as ‘second line’, in Cannes, Grasse and Antibes, as well as a health centre in Saint Laurent du Var.
As with any flu epidemic, anyone with a cough should cover their mouth with their elbow rather than their hands, or use a single-use tissue, and wash their hands after coughing.
 
 
 

Markets weekly

by:
25/02/2020

As financial markets approach the end of February, the growth seen in the final three months of 2019 (Q4) takes centre stage.
Germany’s second estimates of Q4 gross domestic product (GDP) kicks the week off. The first estimate showed that output was flat on the quarter as the export-oriented economy continues its struggles.
Despite early signs in January of a recovery in the country, recent survey data, such as the ZEW economic sentiment indicator, have been noticeably weak since the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak.
The impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on the US consumer, who has been fundamental to US growth for some time, will be reflected in the consumer confidence survey out on Tuesday.
The US second estimate of GDP growth for Q4 follows on Thursday. The market expects growth of 2.1% in the first estimate to be confirmed. The core personal consumption expenditure data for Q4 (also that day) is likely to show inflation remaining muted, again questioning the central bank’s efforts to achieve its goal of ending the disinflationary trend that has been prevalent in the US.
The UK housing market appears to be showing early signs of a post-election boom, according to survey data. The nationwide house price index published on Thursday will show if the upturn has legs, after the index rose to a 14-month high in January.

UK housing shows signs of rebound, but uncertainty looms

While UK house prices grew by 2.3% year-on-year in December, it was the first time since February 2018 that all regions saw positive annual growth and better than 2018’s disappointing 0.1% growth. However, the figure is still below the 4.5% seen in 2016 and a far cry from 2014 levels.
The effects of elevated levels of political uncertainty, tighter lending standards and unfavourable changes to tax rules on the housing market explain the downturn in growth somewhat.
However, political uncertainty appears to have moderated with December’s election of a Conservative party with a strong majority and the UK’s subsequent departure from the European Union (EU). Also, the prospect of some fiscal easing at March’s budget and historically low interest rates provide a healthy environment for the consumer.
Since the December election, survey data suggests that a post-election bounce in demand is underway. The Nationwide and Halifax surveys both showed an uptick in house price growth which surged to 14-month and 2-year high in January respectively. February data from Rightmove showed prices of properties coming to market just below a new all-time high from June 2018.
The demand and supply fundamentals suggest a stable housing market. However, an agreement to leave the EU and a trade deal with the bloc are two very different things. Growth could be impeded if the latter fails to materialise at the end of the transition period, scheduled for the end of the year, and potentially offset the positive impact from foreign buyers attracted by a likely weaker sterling.
Furthermore, even if a deal is reached and a no-deal scenario avoided, the housing market is unlikely to generate the returns seen in the past decade over the next one.
 
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Monaco gives cigarette butts second life  

by: Stephanie Horsman
25/02/2020

More than 70 billion cigarette butts are generated in France each year. Half end up on the ground or in the sea, causing untold ecological destruction. Now Monaco has a plan to recycle these tiny pollutants for a better end.

As the Principality moves in an ever-greener direction, more inventive ways of handling waste are being formulated. In the case of cigarette butts, 66,000 (11 kilos) of which were collected in front of SBM Offshore alone in 2019, they are being positively transformed by a company out of Bordeaux called EcoMégot.

EcoMégot collects these tiny environmental disasters, and at a factory in Montpellier turns them into a carbon fibre component which will be used for upcoming aeronautical projects.  

Cigarette butts may seem innocuous enough, but they are actually major polluters. A single butt can pollute 500 litres of water and can release 2,500 chemical components. Additionally, they take up to twelve years to decompose. 

The initiative has been applauded by environmental groups as well as by Marie-Pierre Gramaglia, Monaco’s Minister of Equipment, Town Planning and the Environment.

Another ecological hot topic for Monegasques is also currently being addressed. The call for public composters has gained momentum. One exists in Princess Antoinette Park and the idea of installing more is fast becoming popular.

A solution is to build a public organic waste centre in collaboration with neighbouring communities. Whilst the idea is currently only in it’s infancy, the impetus is growing. Representatives from the Mission for the Energy Transition understand the demand, and are considering several possible solutions.

 
 

Two suspected coronavirus cases in Monaco

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/02/2020

Tests will confirm today whether two people reportedly admitted to the Princess Grace Hospital on Monday are infected with the potentially deadly coronavirus.
Monaco Matin reported late Monday evening that the two female patients, one from Italy, were taken to the CHPG on Monday and tests were sent to Marseille.
The department of health is yet to confirm the suspected cases.
The French Riviera and Monaco have been mobilised to prepare for the arrival of the coronavirus following an outbreak in neighbouring Italy on the weekend. Two other suspected cases, involving residents from Beausoleil and Cap d’Ail, were cleared of the virus on Monday morning. One had just returned from Lombardy, the hotspot of the European outbreak.
Just minutes after the Prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes, the Nice University Hospital and the Regional Health Agency enacted their health action plan for the region on Monday morning, tests showed that two suspected local cases of the coronavirus were negative. A third patient had been discharged Sunday evening.
It means that at the time of publication, there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Alpes-Maritimes or Monaco.
On the other side of the border however, the situation is more concerning. Five people have died and close to 200 have been infected – by far the largest outbreak in Europe.

National Council calls for action plan

In a letter to the Minister of State, shared publicly by the Mairie of Monaco on Monday, National Council President Stéphane Valerie urged immediate action from the Prince’s Government.
“The situation linked to the development of the Coronavirus (Covid-19), especially in the nearby Italian regions, is likely to cause great concern among Monegasques and residents,” writes Mr Valeri. “This emotion is understandable. Our geographical proximity to Italy, but also the daily flows of Italian workers to the Principality, as well as the very international character of our residents who also make many journeys, raises fears of a marked increase in concern in the coming hours.”
Mr Valeri continued: “All preventative measures to participate in the containment of the spread of the virus must be taken amid a high level of detection and possible management with the mobilisation of all the necessary means, in particular the Princess Grace Hospital.”
The Monaco government issued a statement Monday afternoon, confirming that no cases of the virus had been detected in the Principality and that an emergency system was put in place at the Princess Grace Hospital Centre at the end of January. It also said that health authorities were monitoring the situation and that government authorities would continue to update the community on any developments.

Borders remain open

The Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes, Bernard Gonzalez, says there is no plan to close the border between France and Italy “for now”.
“It doesn’t make much sense,” added Jérôme Salomon, France’s Director General of Health. “Not to mention that you can travel by land, sea and air, or go through Italy and Austria.”
However, there is the possibility that authorities will use thermal scanners at the border, like those already in use at Italy’s airports. Similar checks are being considered at train stations.

Carnivals to go ahead

An influx of visitors to the region for the Nice Carnival and the Menton Lemon Festival has raised the question of whether these large public gatherings should continue amid the outbreak in neighbouring Italy. At this stage, the prefecture says the events will not be cancelled.

Nice’s action plan

The CHU Nice will be one of 108 hospitals in France capable of detecting Covid-19, with an infectious disease specialist available 24 hours a day. Suspected patients will be taken to the Archet 2 hospital where samples will be taken and tested. A dedicated unit is being set up within the CHU to treat patients who test positive.
Health professionals and transport staff will also be briefed on how to monitor the situation daily and deal with a possible health crisis.
France’s Health Minister Olivier Véran said: “I have called the head of the University Hospital Institute of Infectious Diseases in Marseille, it is able to perform 1,000 tests per day in the area of Marseille alone. We are going to be able to amplify the screening to be able to answer all the requests at that scale across France.”

Northern Italy in quarantine

More than 50,000 people remain in lock down across 11 towns in Lombardy and Veneto, 370 kilometres north-east of Monaco. The famed Venice Carnival was cut short and some Milan Fashion Week runway shows were cancelled. Schools and sporting events have been cancelled, and people have been asked to avoid all private and public gatherings.
Italian authorities say there will be fines for anyone caught entering or leaving outbreak areas without special permission, but local television footage showed few roadblocks around the affected cities on Sunday. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said checkpoints would be reinforced and the army sent in if necessary.
When asked if France could also enforce a lockdown in the case of a mass outbreak, France’s Director of Health Jérôme Salomon said it was “not impossible” and provisions are already in place for such measures under France’s existing plans for pandemic flu.

Figures to date

France has had a total of 12 confirmed cases of coronavirus – one French healthworker, six people in Contamines-Montjoie and five people who had recently travelled from China. One of the patients, an 80-year-old Chinese tourist, died of the illness while the others all made a full recovery. All but one have now been released from hospital.
According to the World Health Organisation, more than 80% of patients infected with the virus have mild disease and recover, 14% have severe diseases such as pneumonia, and around 5% of cases are considered critical.

The rest of the world

The number of coronavirus cases are surging in Iran, where the confirmed death toll climbed to 12 on Monday – the highest number of fatalities for any country outside of China. South Korea has been placed on its highest alert level following a sharp jump in new cases. South Korea now has the most infections outside of China.
As of Monday evening, 2,629 people have died out of 79,744 coronavirus infections globally.
The World Health Organisation said Monday the outbreak remained an international emergency.
The UN agency declared the appearance of the new coronavirus a public health emergency of international concern on 30th January.

Symptoms

Anyone who believes they may have symptoms of the illness, which include cough, headache, fatigue, fever, aching and difficulty breathing, are asked to call an ambulance and tell the operator it is a suspected case of coronavirus.
France has set up a national coronavirus helpline: 0800 130 000.
 
 
 

The MEB’s mission to Novosibirsk

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/02/2020

The Monaco Economic Board has braved the cold to take its member companies to Novosibirsk, the heart of Russia’s ‘Silicon Valley’.
Taking advantage of a Monte-Carlo Ballets tour in the capital of Siberia, MEB teams specialising in sectors as varied as finance, high technology and business consultancy met their Siberian counterparts in a series of meetings from 18th to 21st February.

Economic presentation by MEB’s Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Rose during the Siberia – Monaco Forum. Photo: MEB

The first day of the trip was devoted to Akademgorodok, a city that has become the heart of Soviet and then Russian scientific research since the start of the Cold War, and which today has embraced start-ups. During a visit to the most awarded business incubator in Russia, AcademPark, the first links were formed with Russian high-tech start-ups which had not yet considered Monaco in their business plans.
Meanwhile, an Economic Forum dedicated to Monaco-Siberia exchanges, organised with the Novosibirsk Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was held. During the forum, the economies of both regions were presented as well as the various activities of the MEB members, ahead of the signing of a formal long-term agreement between the two chambers of commerce.
Session of individual meetings between entrepreneurs. Photo: MEB

Finally, a performance by the Ballets de Monte-Carlo served as an opportunity for members to invite their professional contacts and strengthen relations, in “another demonstration of the perfect synergy between the main cultural and economic players in Monaco, especially when they are abroad,” according to the MEB.
 
Top photo: Signing of the memorandum of understanding between Chambers of Commerce, courtesy MEB