France has reported 203,021 new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours as the country prepares for Sunday’s presidential election.
According to the French Public Health Agency, 23,010 Covid-19 patients are hospitalized, of whom 1,552 are in intensive care. The agency also reported 140 additional Covid-19-related deaths in hospitals on Tuesday.
According to the sources, the application CovidTracker reported an increase in infections of 18.2 per cent in one week, with an average of 139,967 new daily cases reported between March 25 and 31.
The application also reported an 8 per cent increase in the number of hospitalizations between March 25 and 31, with an increase of 3.6 per cent in intensive care admissions. Meanwhile, the number of daily deaths increased by 5.8 per cent.
According to the public health agency, 80.9 per cent of the French population has received at least one vaccine dose, and 79.5 per cent has been fully vaccinated.
France has lifted all Covid-19 restrictions. However, Morgane Bomsel, Research Director of the French National Center for Scientific Research, told French daily news BFMTV that “the pandemic is not over”.
In the run-up to the presidential elections, the French Interior Ministry laid out a health protocol for polling stations last week.
The vaccine pass or a negative Covid-19 test result will not be required to enter. However, while wearing masks and social distancing will not be mandatory, masks are recommended for the elderly, vulnerable, and those who have tested positive for Covid-19.
