France extends strict coronavirus lockdown until May 11

France’s President Emmanuel Macron has announced on Monday that the country would remain in lockdown for another month to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Macron vowed that France would start returning to normal life on 11 May, if citizens were “civic, responsible and respected the rules” – and if the number of coronavirus cases continued to decline.

“We have to continue our efforts; the more the rules are respected the more lives will be saved. That is why I am announcing the strict lockdown will continue until Monday 11 May.” Macron said in a televised statement.

“I appreciate the effort I am asking of you,” the French president said, adding: “There is new hope but nothing is won at the moment … the epidemic is not under control.”

This is Macron’s fourth televised address since the beginning of the outbreak. This time, the expectations were high, not just that he would make concrete announcements but that he would show some direction and reassurance.

As of Monday, health authorities in France reported more than 98,000 confirmed infections and nearly 15,000 deaths.