France reports over 19,000 COVID-19 deaths as lockdown eases from May 11

France reported 642 more deaths from COVID-19 in hospitals and nursing homes, bringing the total death toll to 19,323.

This includes 364 new deaths in hospitals and 278 in nursing homes.

The number of coronavirus patients in hospitals fell by 551 to 30,639, marking the fourth consecutive day of decrease.

Similarly, patients in intensive care units decreased by 194 to 5,833, the tenth consecutive day of decline.

Despite these decreases, health officials noted that intensive care demand remains at an exceptional level.

France has been under lockdown since March 17, which President Emmanuel Macron indicated could begin to be eased from May 11.

Schools may gradually reopen starting May 11, but cafes, cinemas, and cultural venues will remain closed, and summer festivals are prohibited until mid-July at the earliest.