Monaco will now only report the number of resident Covid-19 cases, a move which follows the Principality being placed on various countries’ “red lists”.
Until Thursday 20th August, Monaco’s Covid case reporting system was based on the number of people who were tested in the country and found to have the virus, regardless of nationality or residence. This led to numbers for Monaco appearing higher than reality, and in some cases, led to double reporting as the affected person was also counted in their country of origin.
As a result, both Monaco’s statistics and that of the overall global count were inflated.
Now, the Monaco government has put in place a new model that reports the country of residence of the infected person, not the place of detection. This is in line with other countries’ reporting systems and will give a more accurate picture of the situation on the ground in the Principality.
At present, Norway, the UK and, most recently, Switzerland have all put Monaco on their quarantine-upon-arrival lists due to the number of new cases coming out of the Principality.
As of Friday 21st August, the revised tally puts the number of confirmed Monaco resident cases down to 102, while an additional 48 cases have been recorded from non-residents.
The new counting system also affects hospitalisations, mortality and cure rate figures. Of the three people hospitalised in Monaco currently, only one is a resident, while the other two are non-residents. As for deaths, one Monaco resident has passed compared to three non-residents since the start of the pandemic.
Those who have been given the all-clear are also counted separately, and now include 82 patients from the Principality and 33 from outside the border.
It is yet to be seen whether the new, accurate counting system will lead to Monaco being removed from red lists.
Screening and exhibition in one at National Museum
The New National Museum of Monaco at Villa Paloma is offering a two-fer with free entry to Variations, Eugène Frey’s Light Set Projections, presented by João Maria Gusmão followed by a screening of Felix in Wonderland! by Marie Losier.
The New National Museum is hosting a night of free entertainment on Thursday 27th August offering entry to the Variations, Eugène Frey’s Light Set Projections exhibit featuring a little-known stage design technique created in 1900 and made popular in shadow theatres and magic lantern shows of the era.
The creator of this technique, Eugène Frey, worked with the Opera de Monte Carlo until the 1930’s making this show not just a fascinating part of history, but part of Monaco’s history as well.
After enjoying the exhibition, a screening of the 2019 film Felix in Wonderland! By Marie Losier will be run. Two shorts by the director will be projected before the featured film, Lunch Break on the Xerox Machine and Which is Witch.
The exhibit can be taken in from 6pm to 9pm and the screenings start at 9pm sharp. Admission is free but subject to availability and space. Advanced booking is required. In case of bad weather, the screening will be cancelled.
For tickets and more info, go to public@nmnm.mc
If you are a Monaco resident heading to the United Kingdom, here is everything you need to know before setting off on your journey, including the form that must be filled out before entry.
As of Saturday, 15th August, the Principality, along with several other countries, is no longer allowed to travel to the UK without a mandatory 14-day quarantine period. It is possible to travel for shorter time periods provided that confinement measures are respected for the entirety of a person’s stay. Reasons for this kind of short term travel include family emergencies or transits and require that the person involved does not take public transport or mix with the general population more than necessary.
Before entering the country, a form must be filled out online which requires both an internet connection as well as pertinent travel information, such as passport number, flight or train numbers, arrival times and dates and if you are travelling with others. Children under 18 may be added to a parent or guardian’s form so long as the child is entering and leaving the country with the adult.
The form can be filled out up to 48 hours in advance and will be sent directly to the UK database, with a copy emailed to the traveller. This emailed copy contains a PDF that must be downloaded onto a smartphone or printed out so that, if asked by border authorities, it can be presented. Failure to do so may disallow entry to the country. Refusal to complete the form constitutes a criminal offense and is punishable by a fine.
To access the online form, visit https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk and for more information, go to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors
Monaco Life speaks to Marta Grigorieva, the local artist behind a new children’s book which follows Napo, an adventurous Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and young artist Allegra, as they explore the unique culture and historic landmarks of Monaco.
Where did the idea for the book come from?
It was soon after the birth of Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella that I began to work on a storyboard for the book. I have dedicated The Secret Life of Napo in Monte Carlo to the young prince and princess, as they were my inspiration.
I decided to branch out from my usual portrait and figurative painting and find another way of expression in the creative process.
While traditionally, my painting medium is oil on canvas, I decided to use watercolours for the book. From there, the process just flowed – the story affected the image and, in turn, the illustrations improved the story. It is a story about an artist and her dog; the book is another art form that allows the full expression and display of an artist’s imagination. Were you responsible for both the writing and illustrations?
Yes, through my illustrations and descriptive prose I’ve created a delightful experience for both children and adults. It focuses on the Principality of Monaco, promoting international and diverse friendships, the discovery of sports and modes of transport, as well as a touch of history and culture, highlighting the country’s main landmarks. I call it “The city sketches”, as it would be in a study for painting. Who is the character of Napo based upon?
I first noticed the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in Renaissance and Old Masters paintings when I worked at Sotheby’s in New York and I always wanted to own one, as it featured in numerous portraits of children and families. So, for 17 years now, I have had Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and I am always impressed at how intelligent and kind they are, with lovely personality traits. They are affectionate, sociable, playful, adaptable, fearless, noble, non-aggressive and curious.
In the book, Napo – a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, belongs to an artist named Allegra. Napo has adventures while Allegra is busy doing her painting. Napo is inquisitive, observant, curious, gentle, intelligent, loyal, helpful, likeable and a little mischievous. Why did you choose this particular story line?
I think It is important for children’s books to promote good manners and behaviour and teach something valuable, as well as entertain.
The book follows Napo and Allegra as they explore the unique culture of Monaco and surroundings. Their adventure will take you through beautiful landscapes and historic landmarks as an introduction and a fun guide to the second smallest country in the world. I believe there are mentions of our news site, Monaco Life, in the book. Can you tell us how you integrated that into the story?
Napo does not read newspapers, but he likes his iPad and visits the Monaco Life website regularly. As travel is limited at the moment, I invite everyone to visit Monaco in person or in their imagination for a Covid staycation by reading the book and Monaco Life. The Secret Life of Napo in Monte Carlo is about “Monaco life” in the winter. It is a metaphor, of course: a talking and walking dog becoming child-like, observing, discovering, and learning.
Not leaving your country does not mean limiting your holiday horizons. One can read Monaco Life or, during a staycation, follow Napo on his adventures to other surprising summer and winter destinations. What is your favourite part of the book?
My favourite part of the book is Napo’s secret, but you will have to read the book to find out what that is! This is part of a trilogy. Can you tell us about the other books and when you hope to publish them?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a British breed so our next destination is London. The Amazing Adventures of Napo trilogy includes Monaco, London and New York.
In each city, Napo meets various animals who become his new friends, and together they explore locations and discover the highlights of these cities. You have a partnership with the Princes Grace Hospital Centre in Monaco, can you tell us about that?
Both of my parents were doctors and I have seen how hard my mother worked for 45 years, helping numerous patients. I offered to donate my book to children in the paediatric department of Monaco’s Princess Grace Hospital Centre, it is just my way of contributing.
Hospitalised children and their parents will be able to enjoy reading the book and, once recovered, they may take the book home. There is also a drawing/colouring option at the back of the book, so children can enjoy that also. What other hopes do you have for Napo?
I hope the book will be welcomed in schools for kids to improve their English vocabulary and to learn a few Italian and French words along the way. Napo has three hearts on his face, he is the epitome of love and exudes affection for the whole family.
The Secret Life of Napo in Monte Carlo is available on Kindle (e-book) and Amazon (paper edition).
From Monday 24th August, the Monaco Media Library is taking another step forward in resuming activities by reopening its work and consultation spaces. Users will once again be able to settle down to work or consult read materials – subject to availability and in accordance with health measures.
Since the reopening of the Monaco Media Library (Médiathèque) in June, registrations, loans and returns of reading materials have been possible on site, in strict compliance with health rules – wearing a mask, disinfecting hands at the entrance, respecting physical distances and limited number of people and length of stay.
From 24th August, the work and consultation spaces will also be reopened to the public.
Summer hours are maintained at the Louis Notari Library – Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 1pm – 6.30pm, Tuesday and Thursday: 9am – 1pm, and Saturday: 10am to 1pm.
The Sonothèque-Video library is open – Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 3pm – 7pm, Tuesday and Thursday: 10am – 2pm.
Meanwhile, the Princess Caroline Library and the Games Library (Ludothèque) are scheduled to reopen on 31st August for loans only.
The home delivery service for people residing in Monaco and having difficulty getting around is still available.
Information: www.mediatheque.mc
Photo by Mairie de Monaco
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