Covid-19 France: Deaths and hospital numbers drop

A total of 417 people died between Wednesday and Thursday, compared to 524 the day before, said general director of health in France, Jérôme Salomon.

The number of patients in intensive care has also decreased by 209 since Wednesday.

The total number of deaths is now estimated at 17,920, with 11,060 deaths in hospital and 6,860 in retirement homes (Ehpad).

Since the start of the epidemic, 108, 847 people have been tested positive with the virus in France, of whom 31,305 are still in hospital, including 6,248 in intensive care.

Some 1,823 new patients entered hospital in 24 hours between Wednesday and Thursday nights, but there is a total of 474 fewer people in hospital due to the discharge of patients whose situation is improving.