News from Monaco

Yesterday evening we sat at home listening to the church bells ringing in Monaco. Thankfully the occasion was not a death, but an invitation by Pope Francis to show fellowship and common hope, as well as to celebrate Annunciation. It brought to mind the words of English scholar and poet, John Donne, from his Devotions upon Emergent Occasions, Meditation 17. We reprint the relevant extracts below, as they are rather fitting in the current crisis.

Perchance, he for whom this bell tolls may be so ill, as that he knows not it tolls for him; and perchance I may think myself so much better than I am, as that they who are about me, and see my state, may have caused it to toll for me, and I know not that.
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No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were: any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.

Today's roundup of headlines:

Gouvernement Princier

25 March: Le don du sang toujours aussi important
If you're willing to donate blood phone the Princess Grace Hospital on +377 97 98 98 20 to make an appointment.

25 March: Centre d'appels-Covid19: Le Gouvernement princier renforce le soutien psychologique

Le Gazette de Monaco

26 March: Coronavirus, l'exemple du CSM en matiere d'anticipation
Several days before the official order to stay at home, managers at the Centre Scientifique de Monaco put in place strategies to save the live corals, ensure the continuation of research projects, and organize the work of personnel.

26 March: Le CHPG se tient pret face au COVID-19
CHPG is already caring for seven infected patients. Other measures are in place in anticipation of an epidemic wave.

The Government's Covid-19 information centre receives around 80 calls a day, many of whom just need someone to talk to about their worries. Skilled psychologists have now joined the team.

25 March: quatre nouveaux cas positifs reveles a Monaco
Four more people have tested positive, raising the total to 31.

Monaco Hebdo

25 March: Vous avez elu Jolies "meilleur salon de beaute 2020"
Readers of Monaco Hebdo have voted Jolies the beauty salon in Monaco.

L'Observateur de Monaco

26 March: Casino Monaco, "Les employes se devouent dans la peur"
An interview with Jordane Goguet of Casino supermarket, explaining how it's coping in the crisis, and how dedicated its employees are.

Monaco Tribune

25 March: Le Prince Albert raconte son experience avec le coronavirus
After testing positive for the coronavirus, Prince Albert has been confined in his private apartments. He has given two interviews, with RTL, and with Monaco Matin.

25 March: Chloroquine, tests, masques: le Gouvernement princier fait le point sur la crise sanitaire
A roundup of the Government press conference in the afternoon of 24 March.

Nice Matin

26 March: Banana Moon confectionne gracieusement 12,000 masques reutilisables dans ses ateliers de Monaco
Monaco swimwear company Banana Moon is manufacturing face masks for hospital staff.