Covid-19 latest: coronavirus and flu cases on the rise

07/02/2023

After weeks of decline, Covid is on the rise again in Monaco, although the number of cases and severe forms of the virus remain low. The flu epidemic is also climbing again.

The latest health figures from the government show that in the week ending Sunday 5^th February, 27 new cases of Covid were identified in Monaco, compared to 14 the previous week.

The positivity rate of tests conducted on residents and non-residents has risen slightly from 5 to 5.7%, while the circulation level throughout Monaco, known as the incidence rate, has doubled from 36 to 69.

Only two people are suffering from severe Covid in the Princess Grace Hospital Centre, however, down from seven the week prior.

Flu indicators are on the rise

Covid is not the only virus to be making a comeback. After four weeks of decline, all flu indicators are on the rise again in France and particularly in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) region.

The indicators are increasing in all age groups, but particularly among five to 14-year-olds and 15 to 64-year-olds. It is the ninth week of the epidemic in the region.

Public Health France notes that, although circulation is on the rise again, the flu indicators remain “at a low level of intensity in the city and in the hospital”, while insisting on the importance of barrier gestures and of vaccination.

A “tripple epidemic”

The seasonal flu epidemic started early this season in France, adding to a particularly intense outbreak of bronchiolitis in babies, as well as a wave of Covid, a “triple epidemic” which put pressure on the health care system.

But the bronchiolitis epidemic in the PACA region began its decline at the end of 2022 and all indicators suggest it is no longer at epidemic levels.

French health authorities have announced an extension of the national flu vaccination campaign, however, until 28^thFebruary.

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Photo credit: Gustavo Fring, Pexels

Basketball: Roca team cruising atop the Betclic Elite

by: Luke Entwistle

07/02/2023

AS Monaco Basketball registered a sixth consecutive win in the Betclic Elite on Sunday, defeating Paris (103-81) to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Monaco were coming off the back of an agonisingly narrow defeat in the Euroleague against Real Madrid but produced the perfect result in front of another sizeable crowd at the Salle Gaston Médecin.

The victory is the Roca Team’s seventeenth in the French division, three more than their closest rival Boulogne-Levallois (14 wins). The usual suspects, Mike James (18 points) and Élie Okobo (11 points) were on hand to keep the Monaco scoreboard ticking.

Jaron Blossomgame (18 points, seven rebounds) was also instrumental, the American growing into the season, and becoming increasingly influential as it progresses. Chima Moneke (18 points, six rebounds), who replaced the departed captain Adrien Moerman is also proving to be an astute piece of business, and certainly made his presence felt against Paris during a solid 30-minute showing.

It was also a special day for youngster Ambroise Couture, who made his Monaco debut, and also registered his first points, advancing into the key for a simple, but well-executed two-pointer. The Roca Team’s impressive efficiency and attacking flair allowed them to pierce the 100-point mark for the thrid time since January 26th.

The omens are positive this season, not just in the Euroleague, where Monaco, in their second season, are showing clear signs of growth, but also in the Betclic Elite. Sasa Obradovic’s men seem to be advancing serenely towards qualification for the end of season play-offs, allowing them to blood in younger faces, whilst resting central figures for those big European nights.

“I had a very good Sunday. It’s for this kind of match that we play basketball. It was impressive to witness, especially after a difficult week. Now, we have a bit of time to rest and to prepare for Asvel. That will be handy for us,” said Obradovic post-match.

Monaco are next in action against French rivals Asvel in the Euroleague at the Salle Gaston Médecin on Friday night.

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Photo by AS Monaco Basket

Everything you need to know about the Nice Carnival

by: Elsa Carpenter

07/02/2023

The Carnival of Nice begins this Friday and it’s going to be a big one as the city’s favourite winter event celebrates its 150th official anniversary, but it’s been around a lot longer than that…

Every February for two weeks, the streets of Nice are transformed into vibrant, colourful spaces filled with thousands of dancers, floats and music. This year, the party begins on Friday 10th and runs until Sunday 26th February, when a huge closing ceremony – free of charge for whoever wants to share in the celebrations – will take place.

The theme in 2023 is the King of the World’s Treasures and alongside the king and his queen, countless legends will be honoured with a float, such as Medusa, the Gardens of Babylon and Pachamama.

A history of the Nice Carnival

The Carnival we recognise today came about thanks to one Andriot Saëtone who set about establishing a festival committee in early 1873 and organised a vast show of processions and entertainers with the carnival’s celebrated creator Alexis Mossa, the first in a longline of “ymagiers”. But that’s centuries later than the true origins.

As far back as 1294, Charles of Anjou, the Count of Provence, mentionned visting the city of Nice to revel in its “joyous days of Carnival”. By the 1830s, this had become a major feature for the Niçois populace, and Charles-Félix, the then King of Piedmont-Sardinia was honoured with a dedicated carnival event on the Cours Saleya during his winter séjour in the city.

One of the Carnival’s longest traditions is the ‘Berner Lou Paillassou’, which symbolises the erasing of worries from the past year by tossing a puppet up into the air with a bedsheet. Those who have experienced this tradition in recent years include figurines of Donald Trump, Jacques Chirac and Gérard Depardieu.

nice carnival 1860 — *Nice Carnival in 1860. Photo source: Carnaval de Nice*

Best for families

The day-time shows are the best choices for families. The first – and the Anniversary Parade of the festival – takes place on Saturday 11th at 2.30pm. A series of afternoon Flower Parades that are around an hour-and-a-half in length are organised over the next fortnight.

*A Flower Parade along the Promenade des Anglais. Photo source: Carnaval de Nice*

Evening shows

Also known as the Carnival Parade of Lights, you must try to make one of these night-time corsos, which are held at 8.30pm every Saturday and Tuesday during the carnival. This is a real sound-and-lights experience, with dance troupes leading the festooned procession around the Albert I Gardens near Place Masséna.

Lou Queernaval: France’s first gay carnival

Did you know that the Carnival of Nice holds the title of hosting the first gay carnival in France? This popular event was launched back in 2015 to promote the values of sharing and inclusion. It’s totally free to attend and is held in Place Masséna, featuring over 150 volunteers from the city’s LGBTQIA+ community. Click here for more information.

How to buy tickets to the Nice Carnival

Tickets can be purchased in-person at the ticket office on the Promenade du Paillon, near the mirrored water feature, everyday from 10am to 6pm. A separate ticket office on the Quai des Etats will be open several hours before each parade too. Online ticketing is also possible via the official website.

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Photo source: Carnaval de Nice

Day: 7 February 2023