Coronavirus Global: France Reports 112 New COVID-19 Deaths On Saturday With Total Toll Rising To 562

France has reported 112 more deaths from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) over the last 24 hours, bringing the total toll to 562, with 6,172 people hospitalised, the health ministry announced on Saturday (21 March).

Of those in hospital, 1,525 people were in severe condition out of the 6,172 who were currently in hospital. Half the severe cases were people aged under 60, reported the Star Online.

"We are rapidly moving towards a generalised epidemic across the territory," the statement added.

Italy, on the other hand, recorded 793 new deaths from coronavirus on Saturday, a one-day record that saw the country's toll rise to 4,825, 38.3 per cent of the world's total.

Despite extensive measures to prevent the disease from spreading, Italy remains the worst affected country in Europe.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 infections rose by 6,557 to 53,578, reported ITV news on Saturday.