New momentum in fight against Covid

Prince Albert has just inaugurated a new laboratory at the Monaco Scientific Centre designed to significantly increase PCR testing capabilities in the Principality.
The Monaco Scientific Centre has been part of the fight against Covid since April 2020. Prior to then, the Principality was forced to send Covid tests and samples outside the border to be analysed, notably to hospitals in Nice, but often as far away as Marseille and Paris. This was a time-consuming process and often took up to 72 hours to obtain results, an excessively long time for a patient in urgent care.
As a fully modern facility, CSM was in possession of the equipment needed – machines called thermocyclers – to process PCR tests, and they quickly put themselves at the disposal of the government. The machines, along with a fully trained staff who knew how to use them, was an invaluable resource for the government in those dark early days of the health crisis.
Since 23rd April, the CSM has carried out virus detection tests, more commonly known as PCRs, right here in Monaco and have saved lives as a result. The centre processed tests in not days, but hours, allowing early diagnosis and helping medical workers assist patients more effectively.
Given the success of the CSM’s screening programme, the government has given them a “new mission”. This mission involves the operation of a new medical biology lab, extending the activities of CSM, which were initially restricted to observation, pure and applied research in the fields of science and medicine. The P3, as it is known, was inaugurated by the Prince on Monday.
It contains a new PCR testing machine, commissioned by the government in May, called the Cobas 6800. It is currently analysing 400 tests per day, which is the majority of nasal swabs taken in the Principality.
More so, the lab is now taking care of all the lab analysis normally undertaken at the Princess Grace Hospital Centre.
“This tool strengthens the mobilisation of all private and public laboratories in the Principality, which have been working tirelessly since the start of the health crisis to test as much as possible,” said Minister of State Pierre Dartout during the inauguration. “Since September, we have been ramping up our testing capacities. Today, the Principality is on the verge of becoming fully autonomous in terms of screening. This will allow us to develop an even broader and faster screening policy in the coming weeks.”
Faster tests
In order to minimise the time between the test result and its communication to a patient, the Interministerial Delegation for Digital Transition has developed, with Roche Diagnostics, the CHPG and CSM teams, the digitisation and automation of the testing process.
This should halve the time between sampling and communication of results, reducing it to between 12 and 24 hours, compared to 36 hours previously.
This digitization puts Monaco at the highest level of international standards. “The digital integration … will drastically reduce the time it takes to make results available, offering a better patient experience in a time of great anxiety and making all the data available to decision-makers in real time,” said Frédéric Genta, the Interministerial Delegate for Digital Transition.
“Beyond a rapid return to the patient, this will allow the government and the health authorities to have reliable and complete data to make the best decisions for the Principality,” added Minister of Health Didier Gamerdinger. “It is therefore very comprehensive equipment that allows us to give a new impetus in the fight against the virus.”
Modernised laboratory
The Monaco Scientific Centre had to be specially fitted out in order to accommodate the new equipment – and it had to happen within a tight deadline.
“It was a major challenge, the teams worked day and night to respond to the health emergency,” said Minister in charge of Equipment, the Environment and Town Planning Marie-Pierre Gramaglia.
Expanding the future of CSM
The laboratory adds a new dimension to the Scientific Centre of Monaco, which has reoriented its primary mission to respond to the fight against the coronavirus.
“First, we will use the Cobas 6800 to analyse nasopharyngeal (nasal) samples during the Covid-19 pandemic,” explained CSM President Professor Patrick Rampal. “But we are in the process of validating other sampling methods for PCR tests, in partnership with the CHPG. I am thinking, for example, of oropharyngeal (throat) samples which could soon replace nasopharyngeal samples.”
But the CSM is also thinking about the post-Covid era and is considering new uses for the equipment, including the analyses of the HPV (Human papillomavirus). “It is to be commended the ability that the CSM had, in the spring, to reorganise itself to meet the health needs of the Principality,” concluded Minister of the Interior Patrice Cellario. “It is demonstrating its ability again today by being part of the future and already preparing new perspectives for research and analysis.”
 
Photo by the Prince’s Palace – Gaetan Luci 
 
 

"Regulation is not the enemy of business"

Close to 100 key economic players were reminded of Monaco’s strict rules on money laundering and the financing of terrorism and corruption at a recent high-level meeting in Monaco.
The 2nd National Risk Assessment of the Principality (ENR) meeting was held on 12th November at the initiative of Michel Hunault, Director of the Information and Control Service on Financial Circuits (SICCFIN), in the presence of Minister of Finance and the Economy Jean Castellini and other government ministers.
Joining them were around 100 people representing the public and private sectors and the main leaders of the Principality’s economic forces.
During his address, Jean Castellini recalled that the purpose of the meeting was to understand Monaco’s vulnerabilities in the area of ​​Anti Money Laundering (AML) and Corruption and Terrorism Financing (CFT), which “must be transversal and involve all players in the economic and financial market”.
He welcomed the presence of representatives of Monegasque associations and foundations, saying their participation in the ENR is important, particularly in the fight against the financing of terrorism.
The finance minister also announced that guidelines relating to the 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive (EU) as voted in by the National Council, will be drafted and sent to professionals so they can better understand the AML/CFT legislation.
Jean Castellini stressed that regulation is not the enemy of business circles, but a condition of confidence in the Monegasque banking and financial system and in its reputation, adding that anti-money laundering and the fight against corruption and terrorism funding are more than a priority for the Prince’s Government, it is a daily requirement in all the actions that are undertaken.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State for Justice Robert Gelli reminded those present that they have an obligation to uphold AML/CFT legislation and failure to comply is a criminal offence.
 
Photo from left to right: Minister of Finance and the Economy Jean Castellini, Minister of the Interior Patrice Cellario, Director of SICCFIN Michel Hunault, Secretary of State for Justice Robert Gelli and Sebastien Prat, Cabinet Phoenix Consulting © Communication Department / Michael Alesi.
 
 

Leclerc misses podium shot at Turkish GP

Monaco’s Charles Leclerc finished fourth place at the Turkish Grand Prix, just missing the podium, after a late error allowed Sergio Perez and teammate Sebastian Vettel to pass him in the final lap. 
The Turkish Grand Prix was full of twists and turns as an incredibly wet track served up mischief and had drivers shuffling around like a deck of cards. The only thing that didn’t surprise was that the unstoppable Lewis Hamilton again took the top spot, securing him an astounding seventh Formula 1 World Championship.
Racing Point’s Lance Stroll had pole position but watched his hopes of a podium finish disappear after an unproductive pit stop saw his momentum falter when he experienced serious graining on his intermediate tyres.
Team Red Bull was faring no better with both Max Verstappen and Alex Albon unable to hold it together on the slippery terrain, ending up in sixth and seventh places respectively.
Then there was Monaco’s own Charles Leclerc, who had a not-so-ideal 12th place pole position but clawed his way up to second place by the final lap, only to lock a wheel in turn 12, running deep. This was just enough to let Racing Point’s Sergio Perez and Ferrari teammate Sebastian Vettel breeze past him.
Leclerc was bitterly disappointed in the finish, cursing himself on the team radio, saying “I did a **** job. I am so sorry to the whole team, I am ****** stupid.”
When he had a chance to cool off, he took to Twitter, still berating himself, but giving props where they were due saying, “So disappointed with myself today. We were extremely quick, but my last lap mistake is what cost us the 2nd place. On the other hand, happy for Seb, it’s been a very difficult season overall and he deserves the podium so much.”
Despite hoping for better, Leclerc is still not doing too badly, with his third top-five finish in a row, putting him ahead of Daniel Ricciardo in the standings.

Prince marks start of virtual No Finish Line

Prince Albert has officially kickstarted No Finish Line 2020, with nearly 5,300 participants and 140 teams walking and running to benefit sick or disadvantaged children in the area.

No Finish Line, now in its 21st year, has been a popular staple of the charity events circuit since its inception. The general idea has remained intact – to benefit Children and Future, an organisation that helps ill and underprivileged children – though this year there have been a few tweaks due to the ongoing health situation.

As a result of lockdowns and strict health measures, it was transformed into a full-blown virtual “race”, and its reach has crossed borders and turned every street into a part of the course.

Prince Albert made the symbolic kick-off for the 5,270 registered walkers and runners on Sunday 15thNovember at 3pm in front of the Big Top in Fontvieille. He was joined by a selection of government ministers as well as Children and Future President Ariane Favaloro and No Finish Line’s founder Philippe Verdier, and several volunteers.

As opposed to running or walking the traditional circuit around Monaco, this year’s participants are all using the Zapsports app that will record the kilometres they rack up until the race ends on 22nd November at 3pm. It means that runners can be participating literally anywhere in the world.

For every kilometre travelled, Children and Future will donate one euro to support local projects for children in need. The charity is hoping to reach an astounding goal of 400,000 kilometre this year.

AS Monaco Basketball’s Will Yeguete is the 2020 celebrity sponsor, and both Olivier Giroud, striker for the French national team, and ex-Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg have posted short videos of support on social media.

Running concurrently and in conjunction with the race is a toy drive that will ensure the children affected by Storm Alex will have a happy Christmas. New toys will be accepted at the Fontvieille Big Top from now until Saturday 21st November. Additionally, Children and Future has earmarked a certain amount of donation money for projects to help the children of the stricken region.

Finally, to add to the fun, children’s entertainment is planned for Wednesday 18th November from 2pm to 5pm at the Big Top.

 

Photo © Screenshot of No Finish Line video 
 
 

Intense win for Roca team against Dijon

Despite Head Coach Zvezdan Mitrovic’s absence and a nearly three week break, the Roca Team were on the top of their game on the weekend, beating Dijon in a hard-fought match at home 70-62.

AS Monaco Basketball hit the court at Gaston Medecin for a Saturday night fight against Dijon, with new arrival Rob Gray scoring 17 points for his first game with the squad.

“We responded very well in defence and on the rebound,” Gray said after the game. “We behaved as a team. The Roca Team has great potential. I am very happy for this premiere. I feel very good with my new team.”

Assistant Coach Ocokoljic had positive things to say about the new addition, adding, “Rob Gray? I think he will help us a lot. He also defended very well on (Dijon player Chase) Simon.”

But Gray wasn’t the only star of the game. Marcos Knight also scored 17 points, whilst JJ O’Brien had 12 and Captain Dee Bost scored 10.

The team played well, making 22 shots out of 60 and converting nine out of 23 three-pointers. They picked up 11 stray balls, collected 40 rebounds, with O’Brien having eight alone, made 11 steals and had 13 assists.

Dijon powerhouse Jaron Johnson was high-scorer of the game with 19 points.

“Dijon is a very good team, which plays the best basketball in the championship in my eyes,” said Ocokoljic. “So, there is something to be very satisfied with. The context was however special, with new players, no match for 20 days, the coach absent … But the guys responded very well, in defence and on the rebound in particular. All the credit goes to them.”

The win puts the Roca Team in fourth place in the Jeep Elite standings, just behind Dijon. Their next Jeep Elite game will be against Limoges on 21st November in Monaco and for more action, they also play Antwerp Telenet Giants in the Euro Cup 7 on 17th November.

 
Photo by AS Monaco