Riviera Radio Weekend News Saturday 25th April 2020

 

Coronavirus - Eleven people have died of Covid-19 in the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var in hospitals and nursing homes, this Saturday April 25.

7 deaths were reported in the Alpes Maritimes, 4 in hospital and 3 in nursing homes. Since the start of the epidemic the coronavirus has killed 186 people in the Alpes Maritimes. 

In the Var there were 4 deaths today, 2 in hospital and 2 in nursing homes. The total number of deaths in the Var today stands at 186. 

On a positive note, there have never been so many patients to be discharged from hospitals in the region. 52 people were able to return home on Saturday. A record number since the begining of the epidemic. 

257 patients are still in hospital in the Alpes Maritimes, including 47 in intensive care. In the Var, 300 people, including 39 in intensive care, are still hospitalized.

On a national level in France the coronavirus epidemic has killed 22,614 people in France since March 1st, with 369 more in 24 hours, according to the report published today by the Directorate General of Health. In detail, 14,050 of these deaths occurred in hospitals and 8,564 in retirement homes. Some 28,222 Covid-19 patients are still hospitalized, 436 fewer than on Friday.

During the past 24 hours, 999 new patients have been admitted to hospital. The Ile-de-France, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Grand Est and Hauts-de-France regions account for almost 75% of patients. The number of patients hospitalized in intensive care continues to decline, continuing for 17 days. There are 4,725 people in intensive care, 145 fewer patients, even if in the last 24 hours, 124 new patients have been admitted.

Meanwhile the United Kingdom deplores more than 20,000 deaths. The epidemic has already claimed more than 20,000 lives in hospitals in the UK, according to the UK Department of Health. According to its latest assessment, published on Saturday April 25, 20,319 patients with Covid-19 died in institutions across the country.
 

Domestic violence - A 27-year-old woman from Cannes has been taken to hospital after being beaten by her partner. The victim had fled the marital home on RueJean Jaures in Cannes only to be caught by her campanion who started to beat her in the street. Alerted by the victim's cries the police intervened placing her campainion in police custody. 

The number of victims of domestice violence in France, has seen a sharp inrease since the confinement. Several additional posts have been set up for victims to report to such as, in local pharmacies and shopping centres. 

No confirmation the reinfection is not possible says the WHO  - The World Health organisation has warned that there is no evidence to prove that people who have tested positive with coronavirus are immunized and protected against reinfection. The warning made today states that with the current state of research, there is nothing to confirm that a sick person does not risk becoming reinfected. A crucial question, as several countries, including France, are preparing to tackle their deconfinement.

In a statement the WHO said "As of April 24, 2020, no study has evaluated whether the presence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 confers immunity against future infection by this virus in humans," 

Air France - Air France has released figures showing that that the current activity of the airline represents 2% to 3% of the normal activity for the month of April. 

In an interview today with French media the director general of Air France-KLM, Benjamin Smith, says "a return to normal activity will take up to two years" but stresses that the loan from the French State will allow "to pass the most difficult period". The French and Dutch states have promised massive aid to save Air France-KLM, with ten billion euros in bank loans.

For Air France, these loans will be broken down into 4 billion bank loans guaranteed 90% by the state and 3 billion direct loan from the state, 

Concerning possible environmental demands related to this aid, he stressed that the company already had "the ambition to reduce its CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030".

In terms of employment, according to Benjamin Smith, "the (French) government has not made any specific request, but it has clearly underlined that this financial effort is made above all to support Air France employees."

Summer holidays - Many employees in France may be wondering if they have the right to take time off over the summer following the confinement in France. As it stands, until the end of the year, the employer may impose dates beyond July and August, along with the duration of holidays and a number of days of CP or RTT to be taken.

An order dated March 25th allows employers to impose vacation dates, and the number of days to take. Employers can also set a vacation period, even if other dates have been confirmed. While two weeks of vacation may be taken it may not necessarily be in July or August, but until the end of October. The period of imposed days cannot exceed December 31, 2020.

The next question is where to go? This remains rather unclear. On several occasions, the French government has been cautious about travel, especially abroad. With long distance travel  not recommended. It is expected that an announement will be made on travel restrictions by the governement ahead of the end of lockdown. 

However, if you have alreay made reservations (train flight or accommodation), there is a guarantee that for any stay planned until September 15, 2020, travel agencies are required to make a credit available and valid for 18 months. If at the end of the 18 months the credit has not been used, it must be reimbursed in full.

 

 

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