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Transcription

Hello,
 
Welcome to HelloFrench's press review, the podcast that immerses you in the news of the week, to help you improve your French.
 
On the front page for this week of April 18-25, 2020:

• At least 23 dead in a massacre in Canada.
• Progressive decontamination in some countries: an update on the situation.
• Ramadan has just started this Friday in France under exceptional circumstances. 
• 70 % of May Day lily of the valley production could be lost this year.
• Bulgaria, New Zealand and Austria: ministers and MPs donate their salaries to the fight against the epidemic.
• The state of New York allows marriages by videoconference.

Shootings by a man and five houses burned last weekend in Canada leave at least 23 people dead. The assailant, a 51 year old dental technician, was dressed in a Royal Canadian Mounted Police uniform and was travelling in a fake police car. He first violently assaulted his girlfriend, who managed to escape. This was the worst killing in the country. The man was shot and killed by the police in a gas station, after a 13 hours run. If some of the victims were known by the killer, his motives remain unknown.

Containment measures have been successful. This is particularly the case in Germany, which is gradually beginning to deconfine its population. Last Monday, the government authorized the reopening of stores of less than 800 square meters. A great relief for the small German shopkeepers. About ten days ago, schools had also reopened their doors. However, the government remains on its guard and does not want to rush things. Businesses are also gradually reopening in Italy and the confinement should be lightened from early May. The same goes for Belgium, which will begin its decontamination from May 4. Belgians will be able to play sports again, shops will reopen on May 11 and schools on May 18. However, masks will be compulsory on public transport from the age of 12. Spain, France and the United States, for their part, are planning to gradually implement decontamination measures from May 11. However, these measures are not yet known. 

The month of Ramadan begins in full confinement, this Friday April 24 in France. Muslims are beginning the fast in unprecedented conditions with mosques that have still not been able to reopen and family or friendly gatherings forbidden, with people not living under the same roof. The crisis of Covid-19 imposes a daily break of the fast less convivial and festive than usual. Emmanuel Macron does not plan to reopen places of worship before June. The French Muslim community is now the largest in Europe, with 6 million Muslims.

Huge loss for florists in France. Each year, the sale of lily of the valley for the 1st of May represents between 20 and 30 million turnover. Indeed 70 % of the production of lily of the valley could be lost, estimate producers. Florists will remain closed and the sale of lily of the valley on the sly will be prohibited. The only places to get it? Food stores that are still open, such as supermarkets, bakeries or butcher shops that want to sell it. Today in France, the horticultural sector is one of the most indirectly affected by the crisis of Covid-19 and the containment. 

A great gesture of solidarity from the Austrian ministers. The members of the government have decided to donate one month of their salary to organizations fighting the epidemic. Each minister will donate his or her salary to the organization of their choice. In Austria, more than 10 % of the population are on short-time work and have to tighten their belts. In Bulgaria, ministers and members of parliament are doing the same: they have been paying their salaries to the health system since April 1 until the end of the lockdown, normally scheduled for May 13. In New Zealand, a similar decision has been taken: as a gesture of solidarity, members of the government are cutting their salaries by 20 % for the next six months.

Wedding ceremonies that we would not have imagined just a few months ago. Circumstances oblige, weddings can now take place by videoconference in the state of New-York. If the lovers can put the ring on their finger, they still can't gather their friends and family. In this state particularly affected by the crisis, the confinement is planned at least until May 15. But coronavirus or not, love always triumphs.

Vocabulary of the week

Enrich your French vocabulary, download our list of key words (explanation in French and translation in English) for the week of April 18 to 25, 2020.