Emmanuel Macron Extends France’s Lockdown Until May 11

On 13th April, Monday, Emmanuel Macron, the French President announced that he was extending a virtual lockdown to curb the coronavirus outbreak until 11th May, adding that progress had been made but the battle not yet won.

France would be able to test every citizen presenting COVID-19 symptoms by May 11, Macron said.

The country reported 574 new deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said Monday. 335 total deaths occurred in hospitals, up from 315 the previous day, while 239 deaths were recorded in nursing homes.

On 13th April, around 6,500 new cases are being reported in the country. Total cases in France are around 143,303, out of which total deaths are 15,729. Total recovered cases are 28,805. 

In France, the number of patients in intensive care fell, with 24 fewer people, leaving 6,821 in a serious condition. The numbers are seen as a key indicator of the outbreak’s spread across the country.

There is a confirmation by the ministry that the epidemic had reached a “high plateau,” with more than 98,000 active cases are recorded across the country so far. Since only the most serious cases are tested, the actual number is likely higher. 

Following Italy in extending the lockdown but announcing no immediate easing of restrictive measures as in Spain, Macron said the tense situation in hospitals in Paris and eastern France meant there could be no let-up in the country. 

France’s 67 million people have been ordered to stay at home except to buy food, go to work, seek medical care or get some exercise on their own on 17th March. In the country, the lockdown was originally scheduled to end on Tuesday.

Macron told the nation “I fully understand the effort I’m asking from you,” in a televised address at the end of the lockdown’s 4th week, adding the current rules were working.

Earlier on 20th March, the country known for its Tour de France cycle race went a step further and banned recreational cycling and also ruled that people could only exercise within a mile (2km) of their homes.

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