Coronavirus death toll in France reaches 120 even though shops and restaurants shut

Country banned gatherings of more than 100 people

Another 29 people in France have died of the coronavirus in 24 hours, bringing the country’s death toll to 120.

The news came a day after authorities ordered the closure of most of the country’s shops, restaurants and entertainment venues to try to contain the spread of the virus.

Yet many people were seen out on the streets and in parks on Sunday.

Prime minister Edouard Philippe had warned that banning gatherings of more than 100 people and asking people to limit their social lives was not being well implemented.

Finance minister Bruno Le Maire said on Sunday the government would not hesitate to take further steps to protect its citizens.

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“If it is necessary, if we need to go further because our health is at stake then we will go further,” he told France 2 television.

The number of victims rose despite the government having already closed schools and universities, as well as the ban on large gatherings.

Local elections went ahead as planned nationwide on Sunday.

“There will be all the money that is necessary. The state will be completely behind them.” Mr Le Maire told France 2 television.

“The state will help everyone get through these difficult times and it will cost tens of billions of euros.”

He said the government would do what was necessary to ensure banks provided loans to companies that needed it and on Monday the government would announce a series of measures to help firms.