France reports a major spike in coronavirus deaths as total rises to 372
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French health authorities revealed 108 new deaths from coronavirus on Thursday, taking the total to 372 or an increase of almost 41%, the toll rising sharply yet again as the country was in its third day of a lockdown aimed at containing the outbreak.
During a press conference, health agency director Jerome Salomon added the number of cases had risen to 10,995, up from 9,134 on Tuesday, which is a rise of 20% in 24 hours.
Salomon said 1,122 people were in a serious condition, needing life support, up 20.5% compared to Wednesday.
It is estimated France has around 5,000 beds equipped with the necessary gear but these are unevenly spread around the country.
REUTERS
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