Death toll in France due to coroanvirus crosses 22,200; hospitalizations fall

France on Friday reported 389 more coronavirus deaths as the number of hospitalizations fell providing much-needed relief to French authorities.

Also Read:World leaders to launch WHO COVID-19 plan, but US won't take part

The death toll due to coronavirus has now risen to 22,245 in the country with 159, 495 infected cases.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

French health official Jerome Salomon said that there were now 561 less people in hospital and 183 less in intensive care bringing some cheer to officials who have been fighting an uphill battle against the virus.

However, Salomon cautioned saying: "The circulation of the virus remains high. We must be mobilised and respect social distancing, which must become a reflex."

Meanwhile, the French armed forces ministry said it had bought a consignment of the anti-malarial drug chloroquine from China as a "precaution".

As the virus continued to spread, French President Macron said: "The virus does not like the French way of life because it is spread mainly by human contact, while vowing to keep cafes and restaurants afloat.

France has been contemplating opening the country in phases with no set date decided, however, Macron had said earlier that he would opening the country only if the infected cases showed improvement after May 11.

French businesses have taken a major hit due to the lockdown with pressure growing on authorities to open up the economy.