France Faces Major Disruptions as Transport Services Join Strikes Over Pensions Reforms
France is bracing for major disruptions as transport services join an undetermined Strike that will see services severely reduced at local, regional, and international levels. These will affect France's rail, bus, and aviation services, with reduced services, except at peak working hours, and blockades to major cities expected. The strikes are part of ongoing industrial action since January over government plans to reform pension rights in France and increase the retirement age from 62 to 64, which saw more than a million people take to the streets.
The French government argues that the changes are crucial to lift France's pensions system out of deficit by 2030. The proposals would bring France closer in line with its European neighbors, most of which have retirement ages of 65 or higher. However, unions argue that the proposed measures are unfair and would disproportionately affect low-skilled workers in tiring jobs who start their careers early.
Unions have vowed to bring the country to a standstill over the proposed changes, and police expect between 1.1 and 1.4 million people to hit the streets on Tuesday in more than 260 locations nationwide. The upper limit of that range would mean stronger opposition than during the five previous days of rallies that have taken place since mid-January.
International journeys on trains and flights will also be impacted, with the French civil aviation authority recommending that airports in major cities across France reduce flight traffic by up to 30%. Delays and cancellations are expected. Only one in five regional and high-speed trains are expected to run, while a leading trade unionist representing refinery workers has vowed to bring the French economy "to its knees." School teachers are also set to stage walkouts.
The French public has been advised to expect travel disruptions, particularly with public transport. Those intending to travel to France are advised to confirm their travel arrangements with their travel providers before departing. It is also advisable to avoid large crowds, particularly in the event of Protests or demonstrations.
While the strikes are expected to last for an indefinite period, travelers should check with their travel providers for updates on the situation. It is essential to stay safe and aware of the current situation when traveling during the strikes.
Health Authorities Warn Tourists of Dengue Fever Outbreak in Ibiza
Attention travelers planning a trip to Ibiza, health authorities have urged tourists to be aware of Dengue Fever, a mosquito-borne virus that was prevalent on the Balearic Island last year. The outbreaks occurred between May and November, and authorities are warning that there is a “moderate” risk that tourists could catch the virus this summer.
Six German tourists contracted the virus last year, and authorities are taking action to prevent further outbreaks this year. With the Aedes albopictus mosquito present throughout the area, as well as in some areas of the interior and north of the country, authorities have planned surveillance and vector control, as well as communication and information to the public before and during the start of the vector activity season.
Dengue Fever is a common disease in areas with hot and humid climates, such as those found in Ibiza. The disease is spread by mosquitoes infected with the Dengue virus. Although it cannot be spread from person to person, an infected person can infect mosquitoes, who in turn spread it further.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever include fever, nausea and vomiting, and a rash. Aches and pains in the joints, bones, muscles, and behind the eyes are also warning signs. Symptoms can start between four and 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. If you suspect that you have the virus, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Although most people will recover without treatment after about a week, around one in 20 people experience severe symptoms and should go to the emergency room immediately. The risk is elevated for those who have previously been infected with the virus. Symptoms of severe Dengue Fever include belly pain, vomiting blood, and bleeding from the nose or gums.
While there is a Dengue vaccine approved for use in the European Union, it is only recommended for those who have already had the virus once before. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being bitten by a mosquito. Wear long-sleeved clothing, use repellent, and sleep under a mosquito net.
It is important for travelers to be aware of Dengue Fever and take the necessary precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes while on vacation in Ibiza. With the risk of contracting the virus rising to moderate over the summer, taking preventative measures is key to enjoying a safe and healthy trip to the beautiful Balearic Island.
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris to Reopen to Tourists by 2024 After Fire Destruction
One of Europe's most popular tourist destinations, the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, is set to reopen by the end of 2024, nearly four years after it was destroyed by a devastating fire that destroyed its famous spire and most of its roof. Reconstruction work on the cathedral began last year, after workers were able to stabilize it in the wake of the 2019 fire. Gen. Jean-Louis Georgelin, who is leading the rebuild project, told the Associated Press that the goal is to restore the Gothic-style monument back to the way it was, recreating the 315-foot-high spire that collapsed.
Officials plan to have the cathedral welcome back tourists by the end of next year, although renovation work will continue into 2025. Despite the delay, an exhibition called "Notre-Dame de Paris: at the heart of the construction site" is now open to visitors in an underground facility in front of the cathedral. Accessible for free, the event details ongoing operations and features some remains from the fire and works of art from the cathedral.
French officials confirmed that the reconstruction of the cathedral is going fast enough to allow its reopening to visitors and faithful at the end of 2024. General Georgelin said that the return of the spire to Paris' skyline will be a powerful symbol that the battle of Notre Dame has been won. The cathedral's iconic spire, which collapsed in the blaze, will gradually start reappearing above the monument this year. The restoration will recreate the 315-feet-high spire added in the 19th century by architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc.
Culture Minister Rima Abdul-Malak stated that the reopening of the cathedral does not mean that all renovation work will be finished by 2024. Some renovation work will still be ongoing in 2025. Nevertheless, the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral will mean that the Archbishop of the capital will be able to celebrate the Catholic liturgy in the cathedral again, and the monument will also be open for tourists to visit.
The new exhibition located near the cathedral will also allow visitors, including those coming for the Olympics, to experience visiting Notre Dame in a new way. A virtual reality show will allow paying visitors to dive into the history of the cathedral, which will help boost tourism in Paris. Philippe Jost, managing director of the government agency overseeing the reconstruction, noted that the result "will be faithful to the original architecture" because the team is sticking to the vanished shapes and materials of the cathedral.
Every day, about 1,000 people work to rebuild Notre Dame, with different tasks, such as the framework, the painting, the stones, the vault, the organ, and the stained glass. Although the reconstruction is challenging, General Georgelin is confident that the cathedral will be ready to open in 2024. Travelers who appreciate historic sites should mark their calendars for this momentous occasion and plan a visit to the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.