France's coronavirus death toll rose by less than a 100 for the ninth day running on Friday, as the country gears up for a new easing of lockdown measures, reports FRANCE 24.
The French health ministry said that the number of fatalities had risen by 52, or 0.2 percent, to 28,714, the fourth-highest coronavirus total in the world.
France is set for an easing of restrictions after Prime Minister Édouard Philippe on Thursday announced details of the second phase in the gradual lifting of France’s strict coronavirus lockdown, which included a nationwide reopening of bars and restaurants from June 2. But in Paris, where the risk of coronavirus spread remains higher than in the rest of the mainland, only the outside terraces of eating and drinking establishments can reopen to clients.
On Friday, the Louvre, the world's most visited museum, announced plans to re-open its doors on June 6 as part of a phased opening.