The benchmark coronavirus infection rate of cases per 100,000 population has fallen to 106 in the neighbouring Alpes-Maritimes, Public Health France reported on Thursday, September 23. The highest rate in mainland France is in the Bouches de Rhone, which includes Marseille, where the rate is 228.

Approximately half of France now has an infection rate below 50.

Meanwhile, there is growing frustration in France over the Health Pass. A poll conducted by Odoxa-Backbone Consulting for Le Figaro daily, published on Thursday, showed a decline in overall approval for the Pass of six percent, down to 61 percent.

Although this continues to represent a clear majority, there are big divisions over occupational lines. Only 55 percent of “workers” approve of the Health Pass, compared to 71 percent of professionals. Among under-35s overall, approval is close to 50 percent.

In order to address the discontent, and a health situation that is continuing to improve, the government is considering relaxing the rules by mid-November.

Meanwhile in Monaco

As a result of almost 4,000 PCR and antigen tests carried out on the Principality over the seven days until Sunday, September 19, the benchmark infection rate has been determined to be 36.51 per 100,000 population, down from 109.52 a week earlier. The rate in the neighbouring Alpes-Maritimes appears to be falling along the same trajectory, but with a time lag of about seven to 10 days.

Due to the rapidly-improving health context in Monaco, the Principality is expected to relax its strict Health Pass measures sooner than France, possibly in stages from as soon as next week.