The French have been hit by a resurgence of the coronavirus pandemic later than many other countries, including the UK, the Netherlands, Germany and Eastern European states.
However, there has been a steady deterioration over the last ten days, according to Public Health France, with the incidence rate increasing for the fourth consecutive week.
The reproduction rate (R) has been above 1 for the same period, marking a growth in infections rather than a decline.
In the Alpes-Maritimes, neighbouring Monaco, the benchmark infection rate had risen to 74.5 on Monday, November 8.
Nationwide, 57 new deaths were recorded and the R rate stood at 1.16.
President Macron is due to take to TV screens at 20:00 on Tuesday, November 9, in an official address to the nation. According to a source close to the President, there will be come surprises in what he has to say. However, with an election due within months it is considered very unlikely that France will be plunged into another new lockdown. And the economy could not afford it.
FILE PHOTO: President Macron during a previous TV address
