The number of people in France who have died from Covid-19 infections rose by 724, to 80,147 on Tuesday -- the seventh-highest death toll globally.
France reported 18,870 new coronavirus infections -- well down from the previous Tuesday's 23,337.
In more positive news, the total number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care fell by 21 to 3,342, and the seven-day moving average of new infections, which evens out daily reporting irregularities, stands at 19,348.
This average has now stayed in the same range for almost three weeks, a trend that for now would seem to justify the government's decision not to resort to a third lockdown, even though some health experts still favour the measure.
Unlike some of its neighbours, France has opted instead for a national curfew, in place since 15 December.
In a briefing following this morning’s ministers meeting, government spokesperson Gabriel Attal reported an increase in working from home, in a positive response to an appeal from the employment minister last week, after figures showed too many people were returning to their offices, without good reason.
Restrictions enforced
In line with new anti-Covid measures, Attal also announced that more than a thousand people were refused entry to France last week while 144 were refused authorisation to leave the country because they failed to satisfy the approved criteria.
There has been a 70 percent drop in travel to France’s overseas territories, according to the government spokesperson and a 40 percent reduction in travel to non-EU countries.
There has been a 50 percent increase in checks to ensure people respect the 6 o’clock evening curfew.
