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Day: 26 January 2021

Curfew to remain amid Covid resurgence

by: Cassandra Tanti
26/01/2021

Monaco’s current restrictions have been extended for another three weeks, including a 7pm curfew and the closure of restaurants in the evening.
The 7pm curfew was due to expire on 27th January, however in a statement released on Tuesday evening, the government said that Prince Albert has decided to extend all current health measures until 19th February inclusive.
Despite a stabilisation of the incidence rate, the figure remains “very high” with 400 positive cases per 100,000 people over a seven-day period.
“These figures show that it is necessary to remain vigilant even if it should be remembered that the large number of positive cases is linked to an increase in antigen and PCR tests carried out – 5,300 tests between 18th and 24th January,” said the government in its statement, adding that the Principality tests the most of all countries in Europe.
“Even if hospital structures are not saturated, it should also be noted that they are the subject of increasing demand. Hospitalisations are on the increase and the intensive care unit has been experiencing some tension for a few days,” said the government.
There are currently nine patients including four residents in intensive care.
Meanwhile, the government is set to launch an information campaign to raise awareness about the risks of contamination in the home.
“The Prince’s government wishes to stress that more than half of the contaminations occur during gatherings in the private sphere. Monegasque health authorities insistently reiterate the need to exercise the greatest caution and limit these gatherings as much as possible,” continued the government. “It is absolutely necessary to respect barrier gestures during moments of conviviality in the family setting: reinforce hand hygiene, ventilate the occupied room, and do not to share cutlery or glasses. It is essential that everyone take precautions to protect themselves and to protect others.
In addition to the 7pm curfew, the nightly closure of restaurants will remain in force for the next three weeks. Teleworking is also still strongly encouraged.
“The aim is to reduce the influx of people from outside the Principality while maintaining economic activity. The Prince’s government reserves the right to adapt these measures according to the evolution of the health situation, in consultation with the National Council,” concluded the government in its statement.
 
Photo by Cassandra Tanti for Monaco Life
 
 

Monaco holds its breath for Boris

by: Cassandra Tanti
26/01/2021

Boris Herrmann, skipper of the Seaexplorer-Yacht Club de Monaco, is heading into the final day of the Vendée Globe in second place and it’s going to be a thrilling race to the finish line.
After 80 days of sailing solo around the world, the skippers competing in this year’s Vendée Globe are due to start crossing the finish line on Wednesday afternoon. Computer modelling from the current weather predictions suggest three solo skippers could finish within four hours of each other.
The Principality is holding its breath for Boris Herrmann who, earlier this week, revealed his end game strategy.
“My choice of route for the next few days is a mixture of the results of the calculated routings and the precise moment of the wind shift here on site. I think the last day will be super exciting and the finish itself as well, as we will all be following the same route coming from the northwest – it will certainly be pure speed racing on the 450-mile home stretch.”
Since Sunday, the leaders have opted for two separate routes.
“There were two main options, north or east,” said Louis Burton (Bureau Vallée 2), who conceded first place to Charlie Dalin (Apivia) on Sunday and now sits in third.
Burton, Herrmann and Dalin were on the eastern option at the latitude of Portugal and over 200 miles west of the trio at the northern group were Thomas Ruyant, Yannick Bestaven and Damien Seguin. Between these two options, the choices were almost infinite with more than 200 possible routes to be run.

AU large de Lorient, entrainement en naviguation de Boris Herrmann sur le monocoque 60 pieds IMOCA SEAEXPLORER-Yacht Club de Monaco

Herrmann says he will enter the Bay of Biscay at full speed, just before the strong low approaches from the west.
“It will be incredibly exciting and tight. Positions may still change at that point, and the compensation time of over 10 hours for Yannick Bestaven is of course enormous. If we are sailing at a speed of 20 knots, that means 80 nautical miles covered in four hours. So, Yannick can be 80 miles behind me and still fight.”
With the wind on the Bay of Biscay due to strengthen for those chasing the leaders in on Wednesday into Thursday morning, it is still possible that fifth placed Yannick Bestaven can arrive and steal a podium position, even victory, because of his 10hrs and 15 minutes of time recompense given for his role in helping search for Kevin Escoffier after the French skipper had to abandon his boat.
Herrmann says he’s now hit the boat speed sweet spot for his VPLP Verdier design onto which he added new, bigger foils last spring.
“We are liking the flatter water for sure. Strategy-wise we are on another page. This race will be to the finish line and maybe a few seconds after that until we make the calculations as to who actually will compose the podium.”
To see the yacht tracker, visit the Boris Herrmann racing website here: https://www.borisherrmannracing.com
Watch the race ending live on the Vendee Globe Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/VendeeGlobe/posts/10164715936440187
 
Photo of Boris Herrmann by Team Malizia
 
 

New underground tunnel project well underway

by: Stephanie Horsman
26/01/2021

A pedestrian tunnel that will link Fontvieille to the top of Boulevard du Jardin Exotique is well on its way to completion with the use of ingenious engineering and brute force.
The new underground pedestrian tunnel, dubbed Les Salines (The Saltworks) has a completion date set for 2023.
The company behind the project, Engeco, is no stranger to large, difficult projects in the Principality. They previously worked on the new railway station, the heliport, the new land extension and the tunnel between Monaco and France.
At the starting point of the tunnel will be a large car park, which has been under construction across from the Exotic Garden entry since 2017. A lift will transport people 15 floors down to the underground gallery that runs 130 metres long and leads to the bottom of Avenue Pasteur, where it transitions to an outdoor path. The 200-metre path will end at Avenue de Fontvieille.
There will be a deviation near the top that allows people to access the Princess Grace Hospital parking garage from the same tunnel.
According to a report by Monaco Matin, nearly half of the 130-metre tunnel is completed. In order to create the walkway, a massive amount of rock must be removed, and workers are using dynamite to blast through the sediment, though this subterranean world won’t be much noticed by those above ground. These blasts move works ahead by roughly a metre a day.
Once the tunnel is complete, the elevator shaft will be built.
The total amount of earth needed to be moved to create the tunnel is estimated at 300,000m2, with 960 tonnes of steel reinforcements and 7,800 m2 in diaphragm retaining walls.
The car park will have 1,819 spaces on 15 levels and will cover 61,000m2 of surface area.
The underground passageway will be decorated with the ceramic animals made by Roger Capron in 1968 that once lived at Larvotto beach. There will also be 10 digital screens integrated into the walls.
The tunnel comes amid a larger Jardin Exotique construction project which will eventually include 66 apartments and four commercial premises, a building for office us, public grounds and more.
The work is expected to be completed in the first half of 2023.

 
 

Instagram campaign to replace Pink Ribbon event

by: Stephanie Horsman
26/01/2021

The annual Pink Ribbon Monaco walk scheduled for Valentine’s Day has been cancelled due to the ongoing health crisis, but organisers are asking that people still get the word out in a fun and safe way.

This year, Pink Ribbon is putting out a call to action, asking supporters to post a photo, selfie or group snap of themselves on Instagram wearing pink or holding a sign to raise awareness about breast cancer and to encourage yearly screenings for early detection. Along with the photos, they ask that the words #pinkribbonmonaco and #seinvalentin be added, as well as the more cheeky #ilovemyboobs, #itouchmyself and #checkyourboobs.

The hashtag #seinvalentin is a play on words in French – saint and sein (the word for breast) being the same pronunciation.

Created in 2011, Pink Ribbon Monaco’s goal is to raise awareness about breast cancer screening and prevention methods through campaigns and events. The association works closely with the government, the Ministry of Health and Social Services, and medical professionals from the Princess Grace Hospital Centre, encouraging healthy lifestyles and regular screenings.

According to the American Cancer Society, all women aged 40-54 should have annual mammograms and screenings regardless of family history or symptoms and women over 55 should have a mammogram once every two years for as many years as possible.

Early detection of breast cancer gives those who have the disease more treatment options, an increased chance of survival and a better quality of life. When caught at the very earliest stages and is localised, the five year survival rate is 100%.

 
Photo by Pink Ribbon Monaco
 
 

February festival cancellations

by: Stephanie Horsman
26/01/2021

Covid’s latest victims are two beloved local winter events, the Menton Citrus Festival and the Nice Carnival, but organisers are already making plans for big returns in 2022.

he 88th edition of the Menton Citrus Festival, originally scheduled for 13th to 28th February, has been delayed until next year when it is hoped the current health crisis will no longer be an issue.

The Citrus Festival, or Fête du Citron, is an event put on entirely by the city of Menton. It attracts over 240,000 visitors during its 15 day run, and features structures decorated wholly from citrus fruits and flowers. Some of the creations reach several metres in height and some are made for guests to climb and walk on.

The event features parades, acrobats and music and is a massive undertaking, costing the city an enormous sum.

Thus, the decision to cancel this year was taken. A statement on the event’s website explains: “The deadline for making the decision whether or not to maintain the Lemon Festival has now been reached. In the context of the current health crisis and in the absence of the circuits offered by the tour operators representing a quarter of visitors, and while the Nice Carnival itself has just been cancelled, it is difficult today to envisage the maintenance of the Fête du Citron 2021.”

The Nice Carnival was set to take place from 13th to 27th of February but was also cancelled back in December.

In a statement, the Nice City Council said: “Given the current health crisis and the attendance that such an event generates, the Carnival of Nice is postponed to 2022.”

The organisers will return with the theme ‘King of Animals’ in 2022. For the uninitiated, giant floats make their way down the coastal route in parades which feature thematic floats, the iconic grosses têtes (giant heads) and flower strewn streets.

The King and Queen of the carnival are joined by performers from around the world with entertainment lasting from day into night. Spectators are encouraged to come in fancy dress to keep in line with the spirit.