COVID-19: Monaco might test visitors from risk areas
National Council of Monaco
The Covid-19 Joint Monitoring Committee, made up of the Prince’s Government officials and representatives of the National Council, met to discuss the evolution of the current COVID-19 situation on the Rock.
Current situation
Despite the appearance of new cases of COVID-19, the Government wants to reassure the population. “Until now, most of the latest contaminations have been contracted outside the Principality. The spread of the virus therefore remains under control in Monaco”, he declared. The screening campaign and its catch-up sessions have made it possible to test more than 38,000 people, seeing both residents of the Principality and employees receive a free test. To date, the health record of the Principality stands at 109 people affected by coronavirus, 98 of whom have recovered. There are no longer any patients hospitalised in connection with Covid-19 at the Princess Grace Hospital Centre. Six people are being followed up by the Home Monitoring Centre.
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Testing visitors from risk areas
In view of the epidemic’s continued hold on many countries abroad and the tourist industry picking back up, travellers visiting the Principality from outside the Schengen area or risk zones will be subject to a special protocol. This measures will soon be reviewed by a group of experts, who will determine the correct procedures and conditions for the tests systematically requested from travellers coming from these zones.
More controls on mask wearing
Checks carried out in restaurants and establishments offering entertainment are considered to be going well and will continue to happen. Furthermore, in view of some tourists’ refusal to wear masks in Monegasque car parks, the Prince’s Government has given assurances that “particular attention will be paid to this.”
Economic and social impact
The Committee also discussed the economic and social impacts of COVID-19. Regarding the social plan announced by MonacAir, staff representatives should will soon have discussions with the Minister of Social Affairs. Authorities should implement “measures to assist and support employment.”
First ten cases studied by the CARE
The first meeting of the Economic Recovery Support Commission (CARE in French), a new body helping maintain employment and economic recovery, was also held on 15th July. Ten cases have already been dealt with. The commission would like to step up communication on this scheme in order to make it better known amongst the Principality’s businesses.
Free bus scheme delayed until 2021
Finally, the free bus scheme which was scheduled to be trialled for September has been postponed to next year. A new date will be set according to the evolution the pandemic, “so that the outcomes of this trial can be as representative as possible”.