Coronavirus deaths on the rise in France

The number of coronavirus deaths in France is rising for the first time since the end of lockdown, the public health agency said Friday, warning that all outbreak indicators are worsening.

The country recorded 13,215 new cases in 24 hours, said the agency — a new daily record since a widespread testing campaign was launched — and 123 deaths.

A total of 403 people were admitted to hospital in 24 hours for coronavirus complications, bringing the total for the week to 3,626, of which 571 were in intensive care.

The Sante Publique France agency said that while a recent surge in infections mostly affected the young, infections are now also growing fast among people over 75 who are more vulnerable to the virus.

“For the first time since the lifting of the (March-May) lockdown, we are seeing an increase in Covid-19 deaths,” the agency said in a weekly update.

“The intensification of the spread of the virus among the oldest age group raises fears of the continuation of hospitalisations and deaths in the weeks to come,” it warned. (AFP)

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