Paris (AFP)

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe warned on Saturday that "the first 15 days of April will be even more difficult than the 15 days which have just passed" in the coronavirus crisis in France, because "the fight has only just begun".

"I want to tell you things with clarity and frankness: the fight is just beginning, the first 15 days of April will be even more difficult than the 15 days which have just passed", declared Mr. Philippe during an information point for French people held with the Minister of Health Olivier Véran and the Director General of Health Jérôme Salomon.

The Prime Minister welcomed "a collective effort", "first that of the carers, admirable, courageous, committed", "but also the remarkable effort of those who, in the second line, ensure the continuity of life of the nation ", like the police, firefighters or even employees of large distribution

Supported by maps and curves of the epidemic, Edouard Philippe recalled the two main axes of the government's strategy: "increase our capacity in the intensive care unit" and "flatten the curve" of the spread of the virus and serious cases with home confinement.

"I will not let anyone say that there was a delay in the decision on containment" from March 17, and which was extended until April 15, said the head of government, recalling the side " unpublished for over a century "of this" global epidemic ".

"At the time of this containment decision, there were less than 8000 cases on the national territory and less than 200 deaths from the disease. Everyone will be able to appreciate the moments when the (foreign) governments made this decision. But I will not let anyone say that there has been a delay in the decision on containment, "he said.

Faced with criticism from the opposition and part of the medical profession, the Prime Minister launched: "When the time comes, we will learn the lessons of the crisis together. I am not one of those who discard themselves in the face of their Some think they know perfectly well what should be done and do not hesitate to criticize a posteriori. I leave them this luxury. "

The latest official report, Friday, reported nearly 2,000 deaths in France due to the coronavirus, including nearly 300 occurring in 24 hours.

© 2020 AFP