The wearing of masks will be compulsory in enclosed public spaces in France "from next week", according to Prime Minister Jean Castex. He said that the date of 1 August had been discussed but he had "heard and understood" that this deadline "appeared late or raised some questions". The Prime Minister was addressing the French senate this morning. It's intended that the measures will also apply to enclosed private spaces which welcome the public such as shops and supermarkets. It's expected that more clarification regarding premises will be forthcoming in the government decree introducing the measures.
Meanwhile, the compulsory wearing of masks in enclosed public spaces has already been made mandatory in six municipalities in a department in north-west France. The Mayenne department has exceeded the Covid-19 alert threshold because it recorded 50.1 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 7 days.
An 80 year old man is in intensive care after being rescued from the sea in Cannes this afternoon. According to reports, the man suffered a cardiac arrest while in the water at the Bijou Plage. Nearby rescue personnel from the city of Cannes quickly attended to him before firefighters arrived on the scene. He was taken to the Simone-Veil hospital
A motorcyclist has lost his life in an accident this morning in Pierrefeu in the Var. The motorbike collided with a postal service vehicle on the route de Puget-Ville at about 11am. The 60 year old was declared dead at the scene.
Traffic was disrupted in Nice this afternoon after an accident outside the fire station on boulevard de la Madeleine. An emergency services vehicle was one of the vehicles involved and three firefighters and one other person were taken to the Pasteur 2 hospital. However, their injuries were only slight.
Two people were hospitalised after a fight broke out in the centre of Toulon. The two were apparently hit with a motorbike chain during a dispute regarding the sale of a vehicle yesterday afternoon. One person has been arrested and the national police have opened an investigation.
Traffic was severely disrupted on the A8 motorway during this morning's rush hour. A truck broke down near to junction 46, the Villeneuve-Loubet turnoff, on the carriageway towards Nice at about 7.30 this morning. Authorities were able to move the vehicle at about 9.45 and traffic gradually returned to normal.
According to reports, a third police officer has been charged with manslaughter in the case of a delivery driver who died during a traffic control. 42 year old Cederic Chouviat was stopped by police on 3 January in Paris and later died in hospital as a result of asphyxia.
Meteo France have a Yellow warning for thunderstorms in the Alpes Maritimes from 1pm to at least 4pm tomorrow, Friday. Storms are posible on the coast as well as inland.
BUSINESS
Newly released data shows that the number of workers on UK company payrolls fell by 649,000 between March and June. However, the overall jobless rate was unchanged because large numbers of firms have put employees on the government-backed furlough scheme. Economists say the full effect on employment will not be felt until the scheme ends in October. Meanwhile, a survey released by the British Chambers of Commerce suggests that 29% of UK businesses plan to make job cuts in the next three months. The organization said that this was the largest figure since its survey began in 1989.
Heineken has reported a fall in revenues of 16.4% in the first half of this year. It said that beer volumes hit a low in April and had gradually started to recover into June.
The Chinese economy grew by 3.2% in the second quarter according to official data. It follows a sharp decline in the first quarter during coronavirus lockdowns. However, China's CSI300 stock index fell by 4.8%, its biggest one day fall since February.
SPORT
Cricket.... Jofra Archer has been excluded from the second Test against the West Indies after breaching coronavirus protocols. Archer travelled to his home in Brighton between the first Test in Southampton and the second in Manchester. England's matches this summer are being played behind closed doors and in a bio-secure environment. West Indies lead the three-Test series 1-0 at the moment. Rain delayed the start of play at Old trafford this morning but play got underway this afternoon.
Rugby Union... England captain Owen Farrell has signed a long-term contract to remain at Saracens. The length of the deal hasn't been disclosed. He's made 199 appearances for the club so far. Meanwhile, Argentina player Matias Orlando is joining Newcastle Falcons for their return to the Premiership. He's scheduled to arrive at the club in December on an 18-month contract.
Football... Spain's health minister has said that he doesn't think fans will be able to return to football stadiums when the new season starts in September. Up until now La Liga had hoped that spectators would be able to return at a reduced capacity when the new season gets underway on September 12.
It's been announced that England and Wales will be meeting in a friendly at Wembley stadium on 8 October. The match will be played behind closed doors.
There are 4 games in the English Premier League tonight. Everton play Aston Villa. Leicester face Sheffield United. Crystal Palace host Manchester United and Southampton play Brighton.
Horse Racing... Racing has been suspended at a racetrack in California after 15 jockeys tested positive for the coronavirus. Officials say the affected jockeys at Del Mar were asymptomatic. It's hoped to resume racing at the venue on 24 July.
Gabriel Attal announced new measures In response to recent acts of violence among young people during a visit to Viry-Châtillon. Attal highlighted the...
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The owners of a vast floating artificial island that had been planned for last summer off the coast of Mandelieu have won a legal battle to be allowed...
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A hospital in Cannes has had to postpone all non-urgent consultations and operations after falling victim to a cyberattack....
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Potential presence of broken glass in pizzas. A recall has been issued for several pizzas distributed by Auchan Avallon in France due to the potential...
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