COVID-19: France reports 93 more fatalities

By Cindi Cook

PARIS (AA) - Monday saw a slight spike in fatalities from the novel coronavirus in France, according to the latest statistics reported by the country's Ministry of Health.

A total of 93 fatalities were registered on Monday, a rise of 27 cases over those reported on Sunday. There were no recorded fatalities in nursing homes; the data will be reported by Tuesday, May 26, according to the ministry.

The overall death toll in France stands at 28,432 with cases rising by 358 to 145,279 over the previous day.

The number of hospitalizations dropped substantially, standing now at 16,798, a dip of 387 cases on the day before. Those in intensive care fell to 1,609, down by 46 patients.

Despite the severity of the virus, most people experience mild symptoms and recover. A total of 65,199 people have recovered in France from the virus and have returned home.

To aid in recoveries, France has announced a €3 billion ($3.27 billion) rescue package for businesses hit by the coronavirus, mostly in the restaurant, tourism, culture and sports sectors. The aid will come primarily by way of canceling the payments of businesses' social security premiums for the next three to four months.

After originating in China last December, COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, has spread to 188 countries and regions across the world. Europe and the US are currently the worst-hit regions.

The pandemic has killed over 344,000 people, with total infections exceeding 5.46 million, while nearly 2.2 million people have recovered from the disease, according to figures compiled by the US-based Johns Hopkins University.