France has loosened several of the restrictions imposed to curb the latest Covid-19 surge, with authorities hoping a recent decline in daily cases will soon ease pressure on overburdened hospitals, reports AFP.

Wearing face masks outdoors is no longer mandatory, and audience capacity limits have been lifted for theatres, concerts, sporting matches and other events.

The move has divided experts after authorities reported record coronavirus infections just last month, with critics accusing the government of making a hasty bet on a return to normality.

But President Emmanuel Macron is betting that widespread vaccinations will curb the pandemic, with proof of inoculation now required for the health pass used to access everything from bars and restaurants to cinemas and long-distance public transport.