France's COVID-19 deaths rise by 351 to 27,425

France on Thursday reported 351 new coronavirus-related deaths, a significant increase over the 83 fatalities registered a day earlier, while the number of patients hospitalized or admitted to intensive care units continued to decline, figures released by the Health Ministry showed.

Since March 1, 27,425 people have died from respiratory failure. More than a third of these fatalities (10,201) occurred in retirement homes. Currently 20,463 people are hospitalized with coronavirus infection, 608 less than on Wednesday. The number of patients in intensive care decreased by 129 to 2,299.

A total of 141,356 people have tested positive for the coronavirus to date, including 622 new infections confirmed in the last 24 hours. The number of patients who recovered stood at 59,605.

On Monday, France started to gradually lift the two-month lockdown after the number of positive cases has been decreasing and the situation in hospitals improving.

On condition they put in place safety precautions, businesses can now resume, students can return to schools and shops can reopen.

Earlier on Thursday, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced a further easing of restrictions, allowing people to travel within France and its overseas territories during the summer.

Cafes and restaurants may also reopen after June 2 in the so-called "green" zones, where the outbreak is not as bad as elsewhere. However, the health protocols must continue to be fully respected.