Good news is circulating in France as COVID-19 patients in the intensive care units fell below 5,000 for the first time since March 29. This claim was supported by the health ministry’s data published on Sunday. 

The seven-day moving average of daily infections dropped to 17,767 on Monday. The number had peaked on April 14 at 42,225. In addition, there was a decline of 131 in the number of people hospitalised for COVID-19, resulting in a new low of 25,666.

This come just after a week from exiting the third lockdown and will be looking to start easing its restrictions. Health Minister Olivier Veran has confirmed that outdoor bars and restaurants will reopen as planned on May 19. 

France has the fourth-highest count of COVID infections worldwide with 5.78 million infected. Only the United States, India and Brazil are ahead of the European country. 

Moreover, 17.8 million people had received at least one dose of vaccine by Sunday, meaning that 26.6% of the French population has been vaccinated. Over 18s will be allowed to register to take the jab as from Tuesday.

The head of Doctolib Stanislas Niox-Chateau told RMC Radio, “We are delighted to announce the launch of the vaccination booking system for all over 18s, for the appointments that remained free for the following day. We are one day ahead of the schedule set by the president last week.”