France reports 643 new Covid-19 deaths as number of ICU patients continues to decline

France on Saturday reported a lower daily toll for deaths from COVID-19, declaring a “plateau” had been reached in the country’s coronavirus epidemic, albeit at a very high level.

Top French health official Jerome Salomon said 353 more people had died in hospitals and 290 in nursing homes to bring the total death toll to 13,832. The day earlier, 554 had died in hospitals and 433 in nursing homes.

The total number of patients in intensive care units declined for the third consecutive day, declining by 121 on Saturday, compared to 62 on Friday and 82 on Thursday. Altogether, Salomon said there were 6,883 people in ICUs nationwide, down from 7,004 the previous day.

“A very high plateau for the epidemic appears to have been reached but the epidemic remains very active,” said Salomon. “It is imperative that we continue to be vigilant, mobilized and careful… I can’t say it enough, especially on this long, sunny weekend: staying home is the best way to save lives.”

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)