The coronavirus claimed 365 lives in France in 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 1,696 while the total of confirmed cases jumped to 29,155, Director General of Health Jerome Salomon announced on Thursday.
A 16-year-old girl in the north-central French region of Ile-de-France had died of the virus, said Salomon at the daily briefing.
Currently, the number of deaths only takes into account those who died in hospital, he noted. Deaths in retirement homes and at home will soon be compiled, which is likely to result in a big increase in fatalities, he added, Xinhua reported.
A total of 13,904 people are currently hospitalized, including 3,375 in serious condition, of whom 34 percent are under the age of 60 while 58 percent aged between 60 and 80. A total of 4,948 patients have recovered and were discharged from the hospital, said Salomon.
"The epidemic continues to worsen. The entire hospital establishments in the country, public and private, are mobilized," said Salomon, adding that 576 of them now receive COVID-19 patients.
In Ile-de-France, the most populous and now the worst hit region in France, a total of 483 deaths have been registered since the start of the epidemic, according to data released by the regional health agency.
In the last 24 hours, this region, also called "la region parisienne" (Paris Region) as it includes the city of Paris, has recorded 1,102 new infection cases -- bringing the total to 8,762, and 88 more deaths. A total of 1,297 patients are in intensive care units, with an average age of 58.
Mini School Bus mishap leaves driver critically injured, children slightly hurt
In a harrowing incident today, a mini school bus belonging to a private school met with a grave accident in the vicinity of Paschim Dewan Pasha Gram Panchayat.
Rs 1.22 crore power infrastructure destroyed in thunderstorm struck Tripura
A thunderstorm that struck Tripura on Thursday has destroyed power infrastructure worth Rs 1.22 crores, including 166 km of crucial transmission lines, 235 electric poles, and 30 transformers suffering irreparable damage.
Mayor distributes water, fruits to common people
In a thoughtful gesture to combat the scorching summer heat, Ward No. 35 of Agartala Municipal Corporation extended a refreshing hand to the common people.
Youth Congress demands resignation of TSCB MD after fatal bus accident
The delegation representing Pradesh Youth Congress managed to enter the premises of the bank and held discussions with the acting Managing Director, in the absence of the MD.
30 BJP leaders from state to campaign for Lok Sabha in West Bengal
Around 30 leaders, including Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, along with other MLAs and ministers from the state, will campaign for BJP in West Bengal for the Lok Sabha elections.
One more person planted in Raj Bhavan with sinister intent: Bengal Governor
In an audio message released on Friday, the Governor claimed that Raj Bhavan received a confidential report that political forces had planted one more person in the Raj Bhavan with sinister intent.
Rahul Gandhi files nomination from Raebareli
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday filed his nomination papers from the Raebareli Lok Sabha seat. Congress workers and Samajwadi Party workers turned out in full force to welcome Rahul to Raebareli.
'Daro mat, bhaago mat': PM Modi's stinging jibe at 'Shehzada', top Congress leadership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday mocked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, hours after he was fielded from Raebareli Lok Sabha constituency, the seat vacated by former Congress President Sonia Gandhi.