Monaco records 39th Covid victim

The Principality has unfortunately marked the start of the new year with the death of a 73-year-old resident.

Although the Covid-19 pandemic began in early 2020, only three patients died of the virus that year. The vast majority of sufferers, 35, succumbed to Covid in the year 2021.

And the year 2022 did not start off on the best foot either, with the death of another resident, a 73-year-old, on the 1st January.

In announcing the fatality, the Monaco government reiterated its message to the people of the Principality: “To date, the vaccine is the most effective solution to protect oneself and others. Vaccination is available free of charge for Monegasques and residents.”

All patients in the ICU are unvaccinated.

As of 1st January, 29 people are being treated at the Princess Grace Hospital, 11 of whom are residents, while five other patients, including one residents, are in critical care in the ICU.

The Home Monitoring Centre is caring for 407 additional Covid-positive residents.

So far, 4,690 citizens and residents of Monaco have recovered from Covid-19 since the pandemic began.

 

 

“We owe it to our society”, Prince calls for solidarity in 2022

In delivering his annual New Year’s Eve speech, Prince Albert has told the people of Monaco that, through solidarity, “2022 will be another step forward on the path to a fairer and more humane pre-pandemic world”.

Standing in front of a large Christmas tree at the Palace, Prince Albert gave his annual speech on 31stDecember, reflecting on the year gone and his hopes for the year ahead.

It is now, said the Prince, during this time of “seasonal wishes”, that it is “vital for each of us to be able to pause and take time to recharge our batteries, so that we may, both individually and collectively, confront the challenges that lie ahead”.

The Prince’s address, spoken in French and accompanied by English subtitles, focussed heavily on the Covid-19 pandemic. “Every day we are reminded of how fragile the situation is as the progress made in 2021 is continually called into question,” said the Head of State. “We must act responsibly in the face of this epidemic, not only by observing barrier gestures, but also by keeping in mind that, at present, vaccination remains our only true effective weapon.

“We have a duty, not just to ourselves, but especially to our family and friends and to the society in which we live.”

The Prince added: “Beyond that, we have a responsibility to future generations. The economic, social and environmental situation we bequeath to them depends on the actions we take today.

It is my firm belief that if we continue to show solidarity with eachother, 2022 will be another step forward on the path to a fairer and more human pre-pandemic world.”

See Prince Albert’s full New Year’s address here:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CYLk4Fclk_f/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 

 

 

Photo: screenshot taken from Prince Albert’s speech