France COVID-19 deaths exceed 18,600, lockdown to ease May 11

France reported 761 additional COVID-19 deaths in hospitals and nursing homes, bringing the nation's total death toll to 18,681.

Despite the rising death toll, intensive care admissions have declined for the ninth consecutive day, indicating a plateau in virus spread.

The month-long lockdown is starting to bear fruit, but officials urge continued efforts in confinement.

President Emmanuel Macron announced that the nationwide lockdown could begin to be eased starting May 11, with schools tentatively scheduled to reopen gradually.

Cafes, cinemas, and cultural venues will remain closed, and summer festivals may not resume until mid-July at the earliest.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and Health Minister Olivier Veran are expected to outline the easing of lockdown measures.

Macron stated that a COVID-19 vaccine is the only long-term solution and herd immunity has not been achieved in France.

Current estimates suggest that only 5-10% of the French population has been infected, with actual case numbers likely higher due to limited testing.