HSH Prince Albert has decided that the current restrictions relating to the coronavirus pandemic, due to expire at midnight on Sunday, May 2, should continue in force for a further two weeks, but with some small changes.

The health situation in Monaco continues to improve, but at a slower pace than last autumn. This means that we must remain vigilant in the coming weeks, the Government said on Friday, April 30. It should be noted that the coronavirus incidence rate rose slightly last week to 86.05 from 62.5 per 100,000 in the week of April 12-18.

From Monday, May 3, certain sports actives can resume, including sailing and rowing, while indoor sports activities will need to follow strict rules concerning numbers, masks, and the use of gel.

Bars that normally serve breakfast will be allowed to do so again, from 06:00 until 11:00, with access limited to residents, employees and hotel guests. Each table must be limited to six guests, there must be a space of 1.5 metres between the tables. At noon the rules remain the same: access to restaurants is reserved for residents, employees and schools of the Principality and hotel guests and a reservation is required; the number of guests is again limited to six per table, and service can only take place between 11:00 and 15:00.

In the evening, only residents and hotel guests may dine in restaurants.

Perhaps of greatest interest is the relaxation of evening dining hours, with service extended from 21:30 until 22:00 and an exemption from curfew until 22:15.

The curfew from 21:00 until 06:00 will remain in place for a further two weeks.

Finally, four square metres of space will be required for customers in shops instead of the previous six.

The Government has repeated its call for the strict observance of hygiene measures, such as hand-washing, including at home.

FILE PHOTO: Club Nautique Monaco