Coronavirus: France extends nationwide lockdown for another month

(AFP): France has extended its nationwide lockdown for another month in order to contain the spread of coronavirus pandemic, as other hard-hit countries are considering easing their measures.

Governments around the world are under pressure to save their economies from collapse as a result of the mass shutdown of businesses and confinement of people.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stressed that he wants to open the world’s largest economy as swiftly as possible. He controversially declared that as president he has the “ultimate authority” in deciding when to restart the shuttered economy.

Spain started to ease lockdown orders and Austria readied to reopen some shops. However, France did not follow suit, instead extending a lockdown in place from March 17 until May 11.

Speaking in a televised address President Emmanuel Macron said that the epidemic was beginning to steady and hope is returning. “May 11 will be the start of a new phase. It will be progressive and the rules can be adapted according to our results,” he added.

France reported a slight increase in hospital deaths Monday and a slight dip in intensive care patients for a fifth day running.

More than half of humanity is now under confinement to contain the virus, which has killed at least 119,000 people and infected two million since emerging in China late last year.

The World Health Organization has warned that lifting curbs too soon could unleash a second wave of cases.