France on Thursday reported 516 new deaths from the novel coronavirus in the last 24 hours, bringing its overall toll to 21,856 fatalities, the country's health department said, reports India Today.
But it said the number of patients in intensive care is continuing a two-week decline, falling by 165 over 24 hours to 5,053.
"We nonetheless remain at an exceptional level, over and above maximum pre-crisis intensive care capacity in France" amounting to 5,000 beds, the health department said in a statement.
A majority of the deaths reported (13,547) were in hospital, and the rest in retirement homes and other facilities.
Although hospitals across France are still receiving a steady stream of new cases the overall number of those who remain hospitalised with the virus continues to drop, underscoring an eight-day trend.