France reports 369 new deaths to bring its total toll to 22,614

PARIS: France reported 369 new COVID-19 deaths on Saturday, a lower toll than in previous days.

The country’s health officials said the mortality rate in hospitals was the lowest in a month, with 198 deaths in 24 hours. A total 22,614 people have died from the COVID-19 in France since the beginning of March.

However, 171 died in retirement and care homes, and officials said they were worried by an increase in critically ill patients suffering from other conditions.

More than 7,500 patients are now being treated in the intensive care units across France – which is 50 percent more than the country’s total capacity before the plague struck. The officials further said despite some encouraging, the system was still under strain.

According to reports, “The rise in the number of patients in intensive care shows the necessity for those with chronic diseases to be looked after as well as taking care of those in emergency situations.”

“If the care… (of those with chronic problems) is interrupted for a long time, their illnesses will become more serious.”

Officials urged people with chronic diseases who are sick not to be afraid of contacting their doctors.

Globally, officials have recorded more than 2.8 million cases and 196,000 deaths since the COVID-19 emerged in China in December 2019.