France coronavirus death toll up again but more positive signs
France on Friday reported 761 more deaths from COVID-19 in hospitals and nursing homes over the last 24 hours, bringing the total toll in the country from the epidemic to 18,681. But top health official Jerome Salomon told reporters that in more positive news the total numbers in hospital fell for the third day in a row.
- World
- Reuters
- Published Date: 09:05 | 17 April 2020
- Modified Date: 09:05 | 17 April 2020
France registered 761 more deaths from coronavirus infections on Friday, bringing the total to 18,681, the fourth-highest tally in the world, but the number of people in hospital has declined for a third day running.
And, in another sign that the lockdown put in place a month ago is working, Jerome Salomon, head of the public health authority, said the total of people in intensive care units (ICU) fell for the ninth day in a row, at 6,027, a low point since April 1.
At 18,681 the number of fatalities is up 4,2% over 24 hours, with the rate of increase decelerating for the second day running.