Month: August 2020

Meteo-France has forecast the heat wave to last between six and eight days in the region, with scorching days and hot nights.

Pull out the fans and ice cream, folks. Another heat wave has struck the region, and this time it is forecast to stick around for a week.

Temperatures will be significantly above 30ºC in many coastal areas, and anywhere from 34º to 37º inland, which is anywhere from +2º to +5º above normal averages. Night times will provide little in the way of relief, as the mercury will not drop below 23º to 25º overnight, disallowing the earth and buildings from cooling off naturally.

Meteo-France predicted the heat would be at “a very significant level on the Côte d’Azur”. This heat, which started over the weekend, has a high probability of a first vigilance “yellow” alert being activated. These conditions will make for uncomfortable days ahead, especially on the coast and in urban areas.

Skies are to remain cloudless, and the unrelenting sun will beat down all over the region until roughly Wednesday or Thursday when temperatures will start to go down slowly.

Rainfall totals are also way down this summer with 32% less precipitation than normal. Some places in the Alpes-Maritimes have not seen a drop in more than 40 days. Drought conditions such as these increase the risk of heat waves.

Scientists predict that August heat waves like this will be our future as global warming takes its toll.

Prince Albert II has revealed that he is preparing to make masks mandatory in all public spaces in Monaco.

Prince Albert II and his government met Friday to discuss the possibility of making masks compulsory for all in public. This comes after a recent spike in the number of new cases of Covid-19 over the past week, prompting the Prince’s government to take action to prevent further spreading of the virus.

Whilst the overall numbers remain low, the rise in cases has been enough of a catalyst for the government to consider this step.

In France, neighbouring towns such as Nice and Menton have mandates requiring masks in public, so Monaco’s decision to follow suit would be a logical progression.  

In an interview with Monaco Matin, Prince Albert explained the thought process, saying, “I do think that in certain pedestrian areas, certain open-air spaces where there is a high population density, we will unfortunately have to go towards wearing the compulsory mask.”

He went on to say that for many, the obligatory mask-wearing would not be a huge challenge. He noted that many already are.

“I noticed this midday, during the changing of the guard, that 80% of those who attended wore the mask. People see that the riflemen wear it and that the changing of the guard has been changed to establish physical distancing; I think that encourages them to wear the mask spontaneously.”

Though the definitive word has not been handed down, the people of the Principality should prepare themselves for the possibility and get their masks ready to go.

Photo by Monaco Life, all rights reserved
 
 

New figures have revealed that while the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur region has seen a recent rise in coronavirus cases, the number of hospitalisations and deaths have remained low.  

The latest report by the Regional Health Agency (ARS) shows that 919 people were diagnosed with coronavirus in the past week, compared to 421 the previous week. However, it also showed that the number of people hospitalised is declining (-5), as those contracting the virus are showing less severity in symptoms.

The rise in cases may be partly attributed to the fact that cities like Nice have introduced free testing sites, such as this one Place Massena:

There have been 190 deaths in the Alpes-Maritimes since the official start of the pandemic, with an increase of three this week compared to last. Meanwhile, four patients are currently in intensive care and 34 remain in hospital.

The Var has seen 139 total Covid-related deaths, with the latest occurring in the last seven days. There are three people in intensive care, a gain of two since the week before, with the total number of hospitalisations sitting slightly up at 55.

The latest figures published by INSEE on 31^st July confirm that after the peak recorded between the end of March and mid-April, the overall mortality rate in the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var has returned to normal levels. This includes all causes of death and all age groups, including the over-75s who were the worst hit by the virus during its peak in the spring.

Regardless, the Prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes has now mandated that eight towns and districts be required to wear masks in public places: Biot, Vence, Saint-Laurent du Var, La Gaude, Nice, Mougins, Saint Cezaine sur Siagne and Menton.

The Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, had already taken up the call and imposed mandatory mask-wearing before the regional order was imposed. Offenders risk a fine of €135 for non-compliance.

 
Top photo: Place Massena, Nice, by Monaco Life
 
 

Both Prince Albert II and Minister of State Serge Telle have offered heartfelt condolences to the President of Lebanon after massive explosions rocked the country’s capital on Tuesday killing at least 135 people and injuring 5,000 more.
After explosions that shocked the world and decimated part of the city of Beirut at the port on Tuesday, the Sovereign Prince and Minister of State reached out to President Michel Aoun to convey their deepest sympathies and support.
In a letter made public by Prince Albert II, he expressed his sadness on behalf of the country.
“Deeply marked by the tragic explosions at the port of Beirut which has just mourned and plunged your country into suffering, I would like to express to you all my compassion in front of this tragedy and to assure you of my unfailing support in this so painful ordeal that your country is going through. The people of Monaco join me in offering the families so cruelly touched our most saddened condolences, assure the many blessings of our union of thought and the Lebanese people of our full support. Please accept, Mr. President, the assurance of my highest consideration and sympathy.”
Serge Telle, the Minister of State, also penned a letter to President Aoun conveying his grief for the people of Lebanon at this terrible time.
“I learned with great emotion the terrible news of the explosions that took place in Beirut on Tuesday, August 4. On behalf of the Prince’s Government and on my own behalf, I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to the families of the victims and their loved ones. I also give my full support and solidarity to the Lebanese people in these tragic circumstances. Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.”
Meanwhile, National Council President Stéphane Valeri has sent a message of condolence to Nabih Berri, President of the National Assembly of Lebanon, in which he said:
“The National Councillors, like the entire population of Monaco, are deeply saddened by the deadly consequences of the devastating double explosion which shook the port of Beirut, devastating a large part of the city and which leaves the Lebanese nation in mourning.  Also, on my own behalf and on behalf of all the elected members of the National Council, I ask you to be our interpreter for the families of the victims, to convey to them our heartfelt condolences and assure them of our compassion and our support, in this painful ordeal… rest assured that the Monegasques are with you wholeheartedly.”
Since the explosions, which billowed a huge plume of red smoke above the city skyline and killed or injured countless people, the city has been on high alert, imposing a two-week state of emergency. Hundreds are still reported missing sparking fear that the death toll will rise and more than 300,000 have been displaced.
It is still not entirely clear what caused the explosion. The Prime Minister of Lebanon has stated an investigation will take place focusing on 2,750 metric tonnes of an explosive called ammonium nitrate that has been stored at a warehouse at the port since 2014.