On Friday, France registered 8,975 new cases of the virus which is almost 1,500 more than the country’s previous high of 7,578 which was recorded on March 31. Aside from Spain, France has the highest 14-day cumulative COVID-19 case number according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. With the number of cases now standing at 30,686, France has a cumulative case number of 111.6 while Spain has 240.6.
Due to the high number of cases in the country, some schools have been forced to close after only reopening on Tuesday.
Considering the escalating situation in the country, health minister Olivier Veran warned the country must remain vigilant.
The need for caution was further increased as medical experts revealed intensive care bed use will increase in the next 15 days.
Hospitalisations in the country rose by 28 on Friday taking the total to 4,671.
He added: “This week, 55 patients on average were hospitalised in intensive care units (ICU) each day, this means we are on an average of 1,500-2,000 people hospitalised in ICU units per month in our country.
“This is not neutral and we must be extremely vigilant.
“So it is obvious that in the next 15 days there will be an increase, it will not be massive but there will nevertheless be an increase in the number of severe cases and in the number of people hospitalised and in ICU units.”
Although cases are rising quickly, Mr Veran insisted a second nationwide lockdown will not take place.
JUST IN: Coronavirus update: Here’s how you can protect your health
The French government is, however, encouraging employees to return to work.
Although delayed, Mr Macron unveiled an £88billion recovery package aimed at helping to restart the economy.
Prime Minister, Jean Castex said the money will be spent over the next two years.
This package was also four times larger than the one used following the financial crisis in 2008.