By Benoit Van Overstraeten | Reuters
PARIS – French health authorities reported 78 new deaths from coronavirus on Friday, taking the total to 450 or an increase of 21%, the toll rising less sharply then the two days before as extra measures to enforce the national lockdown were locally announced.
During a press conference, health agency director Jerome Salomon added the number of cases had risen to 12,612, up from 10,995 on Thursday, which is a rise of 15% in 24 hours.
Salomon said 1,297 people were in a serious condition, needing life support, up 16% compared to Thursday.
It is estimated France has around 5,000 beds equipped with the necessary gear but these are unevenly spread around the country.
