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Day: 26 November 2021

Monaco’s record week of Covid

by: Stephanie Horsman
26/11/2021

It is a record that no one wants to set. Within the space of just five days, Monegasque health authorities have recorded a massive 151 new cases of Covid-19, the highest such count since the pandemic began.
Monaco has had quite a week on the Covid front. As of Friday 26th November, the number of positive Covid cases in the Principality hit 3,705 since the start of the pandemic, with 151 new cases having been noted since Monday 22nd.
In a day-by-day breakdown, the start of the week saw 13 new positives, followed by the worst day ever in Monaco on Tuesday with 45. Wednesday’s total was 30, on Thursday 27, and on Friday 36 residents were recorded to have tested positive.
Currently, there are eight Covid patients at the Princess Grace Hospital Centre, three of whom are residents, whilst two additional patients are in intensive care.
Meanwhile, 138 people were being followed by the Home Monitoring Centre – a figure which has not been seen since the height of the pandemic.
The neighbouring Provence-Alpes Côte d’Azur (PACA) region is not faring much better, with the R number hitting 2 as of Thursday 25th November. The R number for France overall is 1.59.
In the previous 24-hour period, the region saw 24 new people hospitalised, bringing the total up to 1,044 with three new deaths, one of which was in Alpes-Maritimes. The incidence rate in PACA remains high at 272.9, with the Alpes-Maritimes slightly lower at 258.8 people per 100,000 infected.
The government asks that anyone presenting symptoms or for those with questions to call Monaco’s coronavirus emergency numbers on +377 98 98 48 50 or +33 6 78 63 85 68.
 
SEE ALSO:

Incidence rate hits 198 in Monaco

Monaco makes third shot available for everyone over 18

France extends Covid booster shot to all adults

 
(Please note the figures in the article have been adjusted according to the current daily infection rate).
 
 
 
 

After 5G comes Pro Fibre

by: Stephanie Horsman
26/11/2021

Monaco Telecom is launching its new Pro Fibre network for local businesses, boasting new terminals that reach internet speeds of up to an 10Gbps. By the start of 2022, all companies in the country will be eligible to be on this super-fast network.
Ultra-high-speed fibre optic service has come to the Principality with the unveiling of Monaco Telecom’s Pro Fibre plan using the most powerful equipment on the market, giving internet speeds of up to 10Gbps.
Following up on the 2019 launch of 5G, the deployment of this latest technological advance is in line with the precepts of the Extended Monaco programme, with 80% of companies already authorised to use it, with the aim of reaching 100% from 2022.
“For the more than 4,000 Monegasque companies, the quality of their digital infrastructure has become a factor of competitiveness,” explains Martin Perronet, Managing Director of Monaco Telecom, in a statement. “With the launch of Fibre Pro, we are supporting them in this transition. Our ambition is to make Monaco the first 100% Fibre 10 Gbps Country from the start of 2022.”
The new system offers improved speed and stability, along with minimal latency for smooth exchanges of data. Connectivity is optimised through a new WiFi box, the most powerful currently available on the market. This allows several devices to be connected without degrading bandwidth.
“Fibre Pro is a competitive issue for our companies. Associated with the Sovereign Cloud, it allows our economy to reap all the benefits of the digital transformation. This is a new step for our model in the post-Covid world,” says Frédéric Genta, Interministerial delegate in charge of the digital transition of the Principality of Monaco.
In terms of security and environmental credibility, this system meets Monaco’s stringent standards. Monaco Telecom has been a signatory of the National Pact for the Digital Transition since May 2019, obliging the company to take steps to go as green as possible.
“Fibre Pro has been designed to meet the performance, security and continuity challenges of businesses and professionals in the Principality,” says Peronnet. “It is also sustainable: its carbon footprint, as certified by Bureau Veritas, is 21% lower than equivalent boxes. All Monaco Telecom for Business teams are mobilised to support the digital transformation of our customers.”
The boxes are made from 100% recycled plastic and are designed to be reconditioned rather than replaced, making them even more eco-friendly in the long run.
 
 
Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash
 
 
 

Impressive AS Monaco secure Europa League progression

by: Luke Entwistle
26/11/2021

AS Monaco booked their place in the Europa league play-offs thanks to a hard-fought 2-1 against La Liga highfliers Real Sociedad, as Prince Albert II watched on from the stands.
Nico Kovac lived up to his pre-match promise of providing an attacking display as he named four attackers in his line-up as well as a pair of attacking wing-backs in the form of Caio Henrique and Djibril Sidibé. There was, however, no space in the matchday squad for Aurelién Tchouaméni who picked up a niggle in training, though Kovac assured that the injury wasn’t severe, stating that he was “very positive that he is able to play on Sunday”.
Despite the best efforts of a sizeable and buoyant away support, Real Sociedad failed to gain a foothold in the early stages. AS Monaco were able to control the match, but without posing a threat. That changed mid-way through the half, however, as a Kevin Volland tap-in sparked the game into life. Much of the credit for the opener must go to Aleksandr Golovin, who was a thorn in Real Sociedad’s side all night, as he laid the ball on a plate for the German striker to convert.
What followed was a frenzied 10 minutes of football. Aleksandr Isak restored parity with a cheeky chip past Aleksandr Nübel to send the away section into raptures. But that joy was short lived as Youssouf Fofana immediately restored ASM’s advantage, heading in from a yard out to register his first goal for the Principality side.

With a lead to preserve, the second-half was inevitably a much cagier affair, but ASM were resolute, sitting in a well-organised, compact low block. Real Sociedad were largely deprived of any chances, but were given a boost late-on as Fofana, having earlier scored, was harshly shown red for a late challenge. With only a matter of minutes to capitalise on their numerical advantage, Sociedad pushed for a winner. half-chances fell to Maxime Le Marchand and Mikel Oyarzabal, but neither could convert.
The tension in the stadium during the six minutes of stoppage time was palpable, as fans urged the referee to blow for full time. When the final whistle did eventually go, it was a moment of great catharsis; all of the tension gave way to jubilation as ASM secured their playoff spot in-front of Prince Albert II, who watched on, proudly from the box.

Photo of Prince Albert at a Thursday night’s match, source: AS Monaco

Kovac was understandably in good spirits in the post-match conference, and lavished his players with praise: “Today I am proud and happy with the team’s performance. This evening is proof that when you play with passion, you can earn good results. If we keep these ingredients, my team can do beautiful things.”
Kovac will be hoping for a similar display on Sunday as attention turns back to Ligue 1 with another match at the Stade Louis II against Strasbourg.