The coronavirus infection rate in Monaco has more than quadrupled in the last week, from 10.43 to 44.33 per 100,000, prompting the Government to issue an appeal for continued vigilance.

In a press statement on Monday, the Government said: “These figures show that it is necessary to maintain the utmost caution and scrupulously respect barrier gestures in Monaco or when traveling abroad. Indeed, it appears that 14 of the cases recorded last week have the same origin.”

The small size of Monaco to some extent skews the figures, as a small number of new infections makes a large difference to the benchmark rate.

In recent weeks the rate in the neighbouring Alpes-Maritimes has fallen steadily to 23 cases per 100,000.

The Government has reminded residents of the importance of inoculation: “The health measures still in force, which can sometimes be felt to be restrictive, are necessary to allow everyone to return to normal activity and life as soon as possible. The Prince’s Government calls on Monegasques and residents who have not yet been vaccinated to contact the call centre to do so (92.05.55.00 reachable 7 days a week from 08:00 to 20:00) or via the website www.covid19.mc .

Vaccination is now available to everyone over 12 years old.

In the meantime, there was one new case on Monday and the number of residents with mild symptoms recovering at home has risen to 16.

The situation at CHPG remains the same, with three non-residents receiving treatment for coronavirus, one of them in intensive care.