France on Wednesday reported 278 new deaths from the novel coronavirus but also announced a steep fall in the number of hospital patients, as the country prepares to gradually ease its lockdown, according to AFP.

The health ministry said 25,809 people were now confirmed to have died from the virus in hospitals and nursing homes.

Over the past 24 hours, 278 people died from Covid-19, a slight dip from 330 deaths confirmed on Tuesday.

France is due to emerge on May 11 from a lockdown that began in mid-March, with Prime Minister Edouard Philippe due to announce on Thursday how this initial easing will take shape.