France's COVID-19 deaths reach 17,167

The deaths caused by the coronavirus surged to 17,167 in France where confirmed cases, number of hospitalized patients and those who need intensive care were decelerating, Health General Director Jerome Salomon said on Wednesday.

Fatalities in hospitals increased to 10,643 while the counting of nursing homes found 6,524 residents died from the respiratory illness since the epidemic outbreak.

Compared to Tuesday's 15,729, the death data jumped sharply but this was linked to a "catching up" in the data feedback, said Salomon.

The total number of confirmed infections rose to 106,206, an increase of 2.5 percent, slower than 5.6 percent on Tuesday and 2.8 percent on Monday.

In total, 74,030 people have had to be hospitalized since the start of the epidemic. Currently, 31,779 are in hospitals, 2,415 more than the day before. However, this represents, for the first time, a drop in the number of hospitalizations.

"The balance has dropped for the first time. There have been many discharges. We, therefore, have 513 fewer hospital admissions compared to the previous day," said Salomon.

In another encouraging sign, the number of people in intensive care units fell to 6,457 from 6,730 over 24 hours, falling for a seventh consecutive day, showing that the national lockdown put in place a month ago is making some success in limiting the spread of the coronavirus.

"A slight fall in the demand for intensive care is being confirmed," said Salomon, adding that there was still pressure in some regions such as eastern France and the Paris area.

"COVID-19 pandemic is still active. We should remain vigilant, continue to strictly respect barrier gestures and social distancing. And it's essential to respect the lockdown so that our collective effort continue bearing fruit," Salomon said.

President Emmanuel Macron on Monday announced that the lockdown might begin to be eased starting from May 11. Nurseries and schools would gradually reopen, but cafes, cinemas and cultural venues would remain closed, and there could be no summer festivals until mid-July at the earliest.