Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Minister of State Pierre Dartout said that the Principality will not be following the example of the neighbouring French department in ordering its residents to stay at home on the next two weekends.

“This means that Monegasque residents will be able to continue living in the Principality, going out of their homes, shopping, going to a restaurant for lunch while respecting the curfew,” Pierre Dartout said.

However, he strongly recommended that residents not travel into the Alpes-Maritimes on the two weekends. “it’s not about forbidding, it’s about recommending, he said.”

He added that Monaco is awaiting a response from the French authorities about Monaco residents being able to transit through the affected part of the Alpes-Maritimes – the coastal and urbanised strip – to access the hinterland. The weekend curfew will apply in Beausoleil, Roquebrune and Cap d’Ail, as well as in Nice and other towns.

PCR test required for returning residents

However, negative PCR tests will be required for residents returning after holidays, Mr Dartout said, adding that coming back from trips outside the Principality has been a major source of infection.

Patrice Cellario, Minister of the Interior, said that the Monaco Police will carry out very strict controls to limit the flow of traffic “considerably.”

“Checks will be systematic at the various entrances to the Principality: road, rail and also at the heliport to ensure that all those arriving are in order.”

Exceptions will be made for workers and schoolchildren, as well as residents of the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var coming to Monaco for less than 24 hours.

On Monday and Tuesday, the authorities turned back 400 vehicles.

Mr Cellario said that special attention will now turn to those who arrive by train.

“We are going to intensify controls to ensure that there is no escape or circumvention of the rules by this means transport”.