DAILY AND WEEKLY STATISTICS HERE

▫️ HEALTH PASS

The National Assembly paves the way for the “health pass following a vote on Tuesday night.
It was agreed that access to certain places, establishments or events involving large gatherings of people for leisure activities or trade fairs or shows would be subject to the presentation of a negative Covid-19 screening result or proof that the individual had received a vaccine.

The European health pass “will be ready in June and operational between mid-June and the end of June. It is not a tool for restrictions, it is a tool for openness and European coordination. Those who are vaccinated will be able to travel”, said the Secretary of State for European Affairs.

On a personal touch, I am 100% behind some sort of Health Pass. I need to travel at least to Germany. I have had a vaccination certificate booklet for years. It was necessary for obtaining visas and travelling to some countries. I am still using it and in fact my anti-Covid 19 injection is officially recorded in it. I would feel much happier attending for instance a concert during the forthcoming festival if I knew that only people with health passes are also attending. In fact I think I have already decided that if helth passes are not requested I would not attend.

▫️ INCIDENCE RATES

In the Aude departement, the incidence rate is currently 133,89 a minimal daily increase in the past couple of days

▫️ LATEST TRAVEL NEWS

12/05: Reopening of borders: France expects reciprocity from the United States.
12/05 : The suspension of international flights to and from Nepal is extended at least until 31 May.
12/05: Self-tests are now accepted to enter the United States. However, you still need to have spent at least 14 days outside the Schengen area to enter the country.
11/05: Thailand may fully reopen its borders by 1 January 2022.

10/05: Fully vaccinated persons are now exempt from PCR testing to enter Cyprus.
10/05: Morocco has extended the state of health emergency until 10 June.
10/05: Travellers from 12 countries will be able to travel to England without quarantine from 17 May, but France is not one of them.
10/05: French Polynesia will not open to travellers from mainland France without compelling reasons until July.
10/05: Tunisia has put in place a new general lockdown from 9 to 16 May.
07/05: The quarantine requirement for entry into France has been extended to seven additional countries: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Qatar. For these countries, a PCR test of 36 hours (instead of 72 hours) or a negative PCR test of less than 72 hours accompanied by a negative antigen test of less than 24 hours is now required.
07/05: Australia‘s borders may not fully reopen until mid to late 2022.

▫️ 🌶 RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS 🌶

I planted this tiny plant 6 weeks ago, it is now turning into a mini tree. Everytime I look I spot a new chili pepper growing. They will turn red soon enough.

▫️ FOOD & BITS

Dried fruit is excellence at your fingertips

Dried fruit can be eaten without hunger. They give us a good dose of energy. So you might as well not deprive yourself. Better still, you can abuse them!

Abuse, yes, but not too much… Dried fruit is often very high in calories, even high in fat, much more so than fresh fruit. On the other hand, they are full of minerals and omega 3 and will be a precious help in the event of an energy crash… You know, during the famous 11 o’clock hunger bouts in the morning.

Dried fruits are also perfect mood enhancers, you will need them if you have to make an intense physical or intellectual effort. High school students, college students, keep a few dried fruits in your bag, you can nibble on them during your exams.
There are two categories of dried fruit. Naturally dried nuts, such as pistachios or dehydrated fruit, are generally sweeter. When dried, they retain their vitamin C and are often rich in fibre. Organic dried fruit is dried more naturally and therefore retains all its nutrients. When choosing between the two categories, opt for organic dried fruit.
You can eat them with your fingers but also add them to your dishes. They are delicious with cottage cheese, compote or cereals. Add them to your salads with walnuts, Comté cheese, Roquefort cheese, Fourme d’Ambert cheese…
In a hot dish, dried apricots go very well with chicken, flaked almonds, candied lemon, tajine style. Dried fruits also love duck and pork, so don’t hesitate to let them cook slowly.

Prunes are rich in fibre and excellent for transit, dried apricots contain precious potassium, and almonds are a source of protein, containing as much as an egg: 25 grams for 100 g of almonds. In addition, they reduce cholesterol and have a satiating effect. Slip sultanas into your fruit salads, they strengthen the joints.

Special mention should be made of dates. This oriental delicacy is rich in carbohydrates, antioxidants… They are so nutritious that they are used a lot in cosmetics, in body oil, in shampoo for dry hair.

Make beggars with chocolate, prepare almond cakes, crumbles, candied fruits… In short, eat dried fruits, they are definitely an anti-depression food!

© Actu.fr – Translation J²S

▫️ MUSIC OF 1969

Another Top Hit in France, #1 in fact, at that time

🎶 / 🎶 / 🎶

▫️ A PICTURE

I took this picture a few years ago during one of our memorable boy’s weekend for the Le Mans 24h race. A few of these bottles were drunk.

▫️ NEWS FROM ACROSS THE POND 🇺🇸

▫️ WEATHER

Let us hope it stays dry today.We got soaked yesterday.