COVID-19: Sixth meeting of Joint Monitoring Committee

A sixth meeting of the Joint COVID-19 Monitoring Committee was held on Thursday 30 April at the Ministry of State.

The Prince’s Government discussed with members of the National Council the decisions that have been taken on gradually lifting the lockdown, which will take effect from 6 am on Monday 4 May.

The Prince’s Government was clear that the success of this plan to ease the lockdown will require vigilance and commitment on the part of everyone. The stages of the plan will be rolled out in sequence, only if the health situation continues to move in the right direction. The Government explained that, due to the differing schedules for lifting the lockdown in the Principality and in France, checks will be carried out at the border.

There was discussion of the partial and gradual resumption of some classes at the Principality’s various schools, as well as the issue of transport and how employees would get to Monaco in the absence of public transport. The possibility of using some public spaces, such as car parks, was raised. Consideration was also given to the idea of flexible working hours.

Members of the Prince’s Government and the National Council delegation took turns to set out their views on testing and the doctrine of essential use to ensure the best possible conditions for monitoring the spread of the epidemic in the Principality.

In light of the draft law proposed by the National Council, the issue of commercial leases in the private sector was also addressed.

The Prince’s Government and the National Council expressed their joint determination to identify a legal solution that will support businesses and traders in need while maintaining the principle of private property. While awaiting a potential legislative procedure, reviews may be undertaken on a case-by-case basis by the relevant government departments when situations are flagged.

This possibility of reviewing individual cases where required will become one of the many socio-economic measures implemented to ensure that no one is left behind.

The next meeting of the Joint Committee will be held on Thursday 7 May.