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French voters appeared to be holding back from taking part in local elections on Sunday after the government pressed ahead with the vote despite a raft of new measures to curb public gatherings amid a rapid acceleration of the coronavirus.

France is set to choose mayors for 35,000 town halls and almost half a million councilors in a vote overshadowed by the coronavirus outbreak.

By noon (1100 GMT) turnout was at 18 percent nationally, down from 23 percent in the 2014 local elections, confirming concern among officials that there could be a record abstention.

The government on Saturday ordered the shutdown of most shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities and urged people, especially those over 70, to stay at home after the number of coronavirus cases doubled in 72 hours.

However, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said that the election would proceed under strict health guidelines.

Philippe suggested on Saturday the election's second round on March 22 could be pushed back.

Authorities said on Saturday that 91 people had died of the virus and more than 4,500 were infected, including 300 who were in intensive care.

People enjoy dinner and drinks after the French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced the shutdown of non-essential commerces and places that will take effect in France at midnight, Le Touquet, France, March 14, 2020. /Reuters

In polling stations across the country, people were visibly cautious, trying with difficulty to keep a safe distance from each other.

Poll clerks wore latex gloves, offered disinfectant and marked out lanes with arrows on the floor showing where people should stand while waiting for their turn. Some voters wore gloves and brought their own pens to sign off their vote.

Hours before polling stations opened, major opposition politicians, including the conservative heads of six regions, criticized the government for not calling off the vote.

France's municipal elections traditionally see a higher turnout, with local politicians often viewed in a better light than their national counterparts as they are considered more in touch with what's going on in people's everyday lives.

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