Incessant in communication during this tense period for many from a physical, psychological, and financial point of view, Christian Estrosi has taken on the role of Lord Protector, which he claimed during a speech that could be followed on Facebook: “for me, my main responsibility is first and foremost the protection of the people of Nice.”
He returned to the general situation that is evident to all: fortunately, the numbers, even though cruel, of infections and deaths are, in the department, relatively better than in other regions in France and even internationally.
A prompt reaction and the efforts of all helped to avoid a tragedy, even though one death is always one too many.
The mayor of Nice listed all the actions implemented in recent weeks and days: first, the distribution of 3 million masks in Nice and in the municipalities of the Metropolis intended for public function personnel.
In the coming days, 900,000 masks will be distributed to the residents of the Azurean capital and the metropolitan municipalities.
Looking ahead, the mayor of Nice is requesting screening via serological tests for all those on the front lines and optionally for other citizens: “screening must become a right for anyone who wishes it” – he says … and at the State’s expense, it goes without saying.
Once the acute phase of the health crisis is over, we must think about the aftermath. Since prevention is better than reaction, especially a panicked reaction, a metropolitan agency for environmental safety, health, and risk management will be established.
Then, a series of measures will support the socially most vulnerable and those who suffered the most during this period that will remain etched in everyone’s memory.
Here they are…
For non-taxable seniors over 65, the City of Nice will offer them a basket of groceries, including fresh products, worth 25 euros, each week starting next week. Eligible seniors can come forward at 04 97 13 56 00.
For families with children, a grant of 100 euros per child will be given to households in very severe social difficulty (family quotient below 350 euros/month) and 70 euros per child whose parents are in great social difficulty (family quotient between 350 and 700 euros/month) but who are not eligible for housing aid or RSA. This aid will be paid on May 15th.
Free school transport for the period from the beginning of the deconfinement to the summer holidays in order to support household purchasing power.
A fund of 500,000 euros intended for associations that have been engaged since the beginning of the crisis by helping the most deprived and have thus faced unforeseen and additional expenses.
For municipal, metropolitan, and CCAS staff whose mobilization is the pride of our communities, the municipal and metropolitan councils will deliberate the payment of a bonus.
Healthcare personnel will be rewarded through a grant to the works councils and associations of hospital center staff, which can help with their agents’ vacations.
These measures complement those already deliberated:
Support and delivery service for seniors and isolated persons
Extension of Lignes d’Azur subscriptions for the duration of the lockdown
Alleviation of family tax burdens, with a 9.5% reduction in property tax on buildings and a TEOM decrease of 22% over two years. These measures are in addition to the exemption this year for the 45% of Niçois who were only paying 20% of the housing tax.
