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Day: 16 April 2020

Amazon is out of action

by: Cassandra Tanti
16/04/2020

Amazon has closed its six French distribution centres after a French court ruled that it was not doing enough to protect workers amid the coronavirus pandemic.
With lockdown measures forcing the closure of all non-essential businesses, Amazon has become a vital source of shopping for many households in Monaco.
However, a court in Nanterre issued an emergency ruling on Tuesday requiring the company to stop selling non-essential goods for a month while it works out new safety measures or face a penalty of €1 million for each day it fails to comply.
It follows the filing of a complaint by a French labour union which accused the online delivery giant of endangering the lives of workers.
In a statement on Wednesday, Amazon said it was “perplexed” by the court ruling and that it plans to appeal.
It said it would temporarily suspend activities in its distribution centres “despite the huge investment that we have made to ensure and strengthen by additional measures the safety of our employees who remained mobilised during this crisis.”
Sales of food, medicine and hygiene supplies are still allowed under the ruling, however Amazon France’s chief executive Frédéric Duval told RTL radio that the ruling was too vague and, given the size of the fine and the complexity of its activities, the risk was “too high” to continue operating.
The company said it will ask employees to stay at home, but “will continue to serve our customers through independent companies that sell on Amazon” via its global distribution network.
It means that customers who order from third-party companies that use the Amazon website but send items directly will still receive their goods.
Mr Duval said the company would work with unions to ensure the sites could reopen quickly, but added: “I cannot confirm at this stage on what date they will reopen.”
 
 

Raising money to support Italy

by: Cassandra Tanti
16/04/2020

Monaco’s Italian community has been raising funds to help support hospitals in the hardest-hit country in Europe, raising €70,000 so far.
AIIM President Paolo Risso spoke to Monaco Life about the campaign and how the Italian business community in Monaco is dealing with the crisis.
How have you personally found the lockdown in Monaco since it was announced four weeks ago?
Firstly, I think we should all express our best wishes to Prince Albert and the Minister of State Serge Telle for a total recovery – we need them and we need them to be strong.
Secondly, I think that the lockdown has been – as everywhere in the world – a very wise decision and I think the Monegasque nationals and residents have respected this lockdown highly.
On the other side, the lockdown has had a big impact on the economy. If you consider all the events that normally take place in Monaco during spring time – even the postponement of the Cannes Film Festival and the flow-on tourism to Monaco – it is all having a massive impact on the Principality.
Italy is now gradually lifting strict confinement measures which began five weeks ago… how have Italian businesses been impacted by the crisis?
In terms of the economy, it has been a disaster for all Italian companies – except perhaps food producers. But free entrepreneurs, real estate agents, those in shipping… we are all really struggling these days.
What is encouraging however is that despite the Italian government offering financial aid to companies, I don’t see anyone abusing this aid. We have to be grateful for the advantages that we have from living in Monaco, so now is not the time to take money from the Italian government unless you need it desperately. Rather, we must try to offer our support and I think this is what the Italian business community has been trying to do. They are trying to cope with the present conditions, firstly by supporting all the workers of the various companies.
Tourism-related businesses are obviously taking a massive hit…
There is no doubt that people will tend to stay closer to home once this lockdown is lifted across the globe. Hopefully, Monaco will benefit from people visiting from neighbouring countries, like France and Italy.
People will hopefully take advantage of the fact that Monaco has had no new cases of Covid-19 since Sunday, and has had just over 100 cases in total – this is very positive. The Princess Grace Hospital has done an amazing job, and while I am very sorry for those who have passed away, I think the government has managed this health crisis very well.
Paolo, you and I spoke just after Italy went in to lockdown, and you warned that the same was set to happen in France and Monaco. Still, it came as a surprise to everyone a week later when the lockdowns were announced…
The virus spread so quickly in the north of Italy, but it was clear that it was going to move all around Europe. We may call this continent Europe, but the EU is not really efficient in my opinion. Because the moment the situation changed in Italy, the whole of Europe should have taken advantage of the warning and launched into immediate action. Why did they wait until the situation exploded?
What is it like being in Monaco during the lockdown?
We are no more than 20,000 people in town – in my opinion – just the residents and Monegasques. I am glad to hear the Minister of State say that we will not necessarily follow France in extending the lockdown to 11thMay. I think Monaco, being a nation dependant on VAT and tourism, can’t wait for too long. But of course, we have to make sure people are safe and secure first.
How is the Italian community dealing with the crisis situation in their native country?
All of the various cultural and entrepreneurial Italian associations in Monaco have set up a bank account to support the Italian hospitals during the crisis, like Bergamo which was severely hit by the virus. All of our grandfathers are no longer there, it is incredible. We have raised up to €70,000 among the Italian community in Monaco. The initiative is being promoted by Alessandro Dalmasso – former Vice President of the AIIM.
What will the AIIM be doing in the months ahead to support the Italian entrepreneurs in Monaco?
We are trying to gather professionals in various fields – such as lawyers and accountants – to offer free assistance to members of the AIIM association. We obviously can’t organise any social events, but we want to implement assistance for the Italian entrepreneurial community in Monaco.
 
Photo: Paolo Risso, President AIIM Monaco, all rights reserved to Monaco Life
 

Join us as we travel from our sofas

by: Abercrombie & Kent
16/04/2020

With holiday plans on pause, and many countries locked down, the joy of travel seems so far away — so out of reach. Rather than feel downhearted, we’re inviting you to reflect on all the things that made you fall in love with travel in the first place.
Remember the destinations that won your heart; the laughter, the soundtrack, the holiday reads, and the amazing people you met along the way. Dust off those souvenirs, flip open your photograph albums and let a little nostalgia brighten up your day.
Below, we’ve shared some of our travel specialists’ memories of and associations with their favourite destinations. After all, travel isn’t just about all the wonderful places we wish to visit next. It’s also about all the wonderful places we’ve been.

Adam Fogg on Antarctica

Recommended book?
Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing – the story of an astonishing feat of human daring and exploration.
Dining recommendation?
The excellent French cuisine served at Le Céleste restaurant, on deck two of the ship Le Lyrial.
TV programme that takes you back?
Frozen Planet – David Attenborough’s portrait of the Polar regions. It really shows why Antarctica is the last great wilderness on the planet.
Recommended virtual tour?
This video offers a great glimpse into an Antarctic cruise with A&K.
Discover Antarctica with A&K here.

Debbie Rawnsley on Japan

What songs take you back there?
Any song from Distance, the second album by J-pop singer Utada Hikaru.
Recommended book?
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami, and The Japanese Mind: Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture by Roger J. Davies and Osamu Ikeno.
…and film?
Spirited Away by Studio Ghibli. It was the first Ghibli film I saw whilst living in Japan, and it’s one of my favourites.
What drink would you toast Japan with?
Sapporo. It’s the oldest brand of beer in Japan, first brewed in the city of Sapporo in 1876. One taste and I’m back at the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Recommended virtual tour?
The teamLab Borderless digital art museum in Tokyo, which you can explore via its official YouTube channel.
Discover Japan with A&K here.

Brandon Clements on India

 Is there a scent that takes you back?
Rosewater. In India, the smell of rosewater is everywhere, from luxury hotel corridors and temple buildings to the moment you lift the lid off a clay pot of freshly cooked biryani.
What about a film?
Slumdog Millionaire, The Jungle Book and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
…and a song?
Sunset by Nitin Sawhney, Beloved by Thievery Corporation ft. Anoushka Shankar and Calcutta Delight (Greg Hunter Mix) by The Kumba Mela Experiment ft. Ranajit Sengupta.
Recommended book?
Man-Eaters of Kumaon by Jim Corbett, Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts and City of Joy by Dominique Lapierre.
Dining recommendation?
The tandoor-cooked kebabs, dhals, vegetable dishes and loaves of bread from Bukhara at ITC Maurya hotel, New Delhi.
Discover India with A&K here.

Elizabeth Patch on Russia

Recommended book?
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy and Rasputin by Edvard Radinsky.
Binge-worthy TV programme?
The BBC’s production of War & Peace.
Which film takes you back?
Anastasia. It may be a children’s film, but it’s so magical and originally inspired me to visit Russia.
Recommended dining?
Truffle-infused scrambled egg and caviar at the caviar bar of the Belmond Grand Hotel, St Petersburg.
Recommended virtual tour?
The Hermitage Museum, which has a virtual visit page.
Discover Russia with A&K here.
 
 

Princess Charlene Foundation offering free masks to public

by: Stephanie Horsman
16/04/2020

Representatives of the Princess Charlene Foundation have taken to the streets offering protective medical masks to the public free of charge. Even Mayor Georges Marsan joined in, distributing the masks at various points around the city on Wednesday.

The initiative was the brainchild of Princess Charlene and her brother Gareth Wittstock, Secretary General of the Princess Charlene Foundation, who wanted to provide high quality protection to Monaco’s residents against the coronavirus.  

The 5,000 masks were made by Italian firm SCICON Sports, a leading maker of cycling bags and protective eyewear, who have pivoted their focus from sport to public health during the crisis.

The masks are made of a high-performance fabric, and though time has not permitted them to receive formal official ratings, they comply with the most rigid standards of protection. The masks can be washed up to 40 times in water as hot as 60ºC without significant degradation.

They feature the #strongtogether slogan being promoted in the Principality. This encouraging message of “unity and solidarity” has been pushed by both the Princess and HSH Prince Albert II during the health crisis.

Photo: Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation

Volunteers distributed the masks at the Condamine market, Fontvieille Shoppong Centre, and at several food-related businesses and places of interest with the blessing of and help from the Monaco City Council. Foundation Ambassadors such as Monegasque Formula One champion Charles Leclerc and world champion free diver Pierre Frolla have also joined in the campaign.

The Princess Charlene Foundation’s representatives reminded the public that wearing a mask was no substitute for respecting the rules of lockdown. They emphasised that social distancing regulations must still be complied with despite the added protection.

 
 
 

First Monaco resident succumbs to Covid-19

by: Stephanie Horsman
16/04/2020

Monaco has seen its first death of a resident from the coronavirus. The person, aged 72-years, passed away on Wednesday.

The victim is the third casualty linked to Covid-19 in the Principality, and the first actual resident to die of the virus since the start of the pandemic.

The two other victims were being treated at the CHPG but were not residents of Monaco.

The government says it has reached out to the family and loved ones of the latest victim, offering support during this time of sadness.  

On a positive note, Monaco on Wednesday again recorded no new cases of Covid-19, keeping the number of those who have tested positive for the virus at 93. A total of 12 people have been given the all-clear, doubling the number of those who have recovered since the previous day.   

Nine patients still remain in hospital with two being in intensive care, though the lion’s share of those affected are being treated at home through Monaco’s Home Monitoring Centre. Currently, 108 people are being looked after by this method.

 
 

Fourth Joint Monitoring Committee meeting results

by: Stephanie Horsman
16/04/2020

The fourth meeting of the Covid Joint Monitoring Committee between the Prince’s government and the National Council was held Wednesday, focusing on decisions made and to be taken in this next phase of crisis management.

The government and National Council had a free flow exchange regarding the health situation and the supply of medical equipment available in the Principality at their latest meeting held on 15th April. The government confirmed that, after consultation with the Council, they were in the process of purchasing reusable fabric masks from Monegasque company Bettina. The company has agreed to supply 80,000 Army Health Service certified masks per month.

Information regarding serological tests was also discussed in terms of acquisition.  

Both entities shared views on added measures to support businesses and safeguard jobs during the lockdown. The government would like to see a continual adaptation to the changing situation, adjusting when necessary, to ensure the least amount of suffering for all.  

The measures that were agreed upon are as follows. 

1. Within the framework of the Guarantee Fund, for any request for a cash loan / overdraft authorisation of less than €50,000, the credit institution may, at the end of its internal procedure, release the sums requested without having to ask the Guarantee Fund for its prior agreement. 

The Guarantee Fund will continue to be the recipient of all the credit files granted by the banks, will study and identify them, and if necessary, report any observations to one or other of the establishments.

2. The income threshold for the eligibility of the self-employed working in their personal name, to the payment of the Extraordinary Minimum Income (RME), is now set at €12,000 over the year and €3,000 over the quarter, thus making it possible to broaden the number of people likely to benefit.

3. The aid initially provided to small structures (APS), is now extended to companies registered in the Trade and Industry Register, to the exclusion of foreign companies, which achieve an annual turnover less tax, at €1.5 million and who have suffered, since March 1, a drop in monthly activity of at least 50% compared to the previous year in the same period. In order to simplify the procedures for companies, requests for the granting of Aid to Companies (AS) are essentially based on a declaration on their honour by the legal representative of the company, or duly authorised, and will give entitlement to payment in April, May and June, for the months of March, April and May, direct State aid of a lump sum of €5,000 / month. The procedures and documents required will be specified on the website of the Public Business Service, knowing that in the next few days, requests will all be made online on this same site.

4. For the sake of fairness, for persons carrying out their activity in their personal name, additional aid in the amount of €3,200 will be paid to RME beneficiaries, for the months of March, April and May 2020. Total monthly aid thus paid to each beneficiary will amount to €5,000.

The committee says that these new or modified procedures are the product of the hard work put forth by both sides to ensure no one falls through the cracks financially as a result of the current situation.

Both the government and the National Council are in accord, agreeing that preservation of jobs is the quickest path to economic recovery after the crisis passes. To this end, they announced that the first payments to employers had been made to the Reinforced Total Temporary Unemployment (CTTR) fund on 13th April. More will be forthcoming in the next days.

From a legislative angle, the government is protecting jobs by reviewing a bill that is on the table prohibiting unfair dismissals, making telecommuting mandatory for positions where this is possible and carrying out other Covid-related measures.

The meeting was wrapped up with a discussion about the proposed amendments to the 2020 budget, the new draft of which will be submitted to the Council on 21st April. Finally, the €1,000 bonus for workers on the front lines of the epidemic was touched on, in terms of whom the recipients should be.

The next Joint Monitoring Committee meeting will be held on 23rd April.

 
Photo: Minister of State Serge Telle at the Bettina factory in Monaco during a previous visit, courtesy Monaco Government