France's Council of State has rejected calls for stricter nationwide lockdown, but the current measures—in place since early March 2020—may extend beyond mid-month. Meanwhile, Japan signals an almost certain postponement of the Tokyo Olympics due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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One week into nationwide lockdown, France had braced for even tougher restrictions. However, the Council of State dismissed proposals for total containment this weekend. The initial two-week measures are now likely to be extended. On March 23, 2020, the scientific council advising on COVID-19 will deliver its recommendations.
President Emmanuel Macron is also convening moral and religious leaders to address national unity during this crisis. As of that date, France reported 16,243 confirmed cases and 674 deaths. A second doctor succumbed to the virus: a Mulhouse gynecologist-obstetrician, infected by a patient, who passed away in Dijon after a week on intubation.
France ranks fourth in Europe for cases, trailing Germany, Spain, and Italy—which leads with nearly 60,000 cases and 5,500 deaths. Spain reports 28,873 cases and 1,772 deaths; Germany has more cases but just 94 fatalities. Other hard-hit nations include Switzerland (7,474 cases/98 deaths), the UK (5,745/281), Netherlands (4,217/179), Austria (3,582/16), and Belgium (3,401/75). Over a dozen countries exceed 1,000 cases.
Globally, the US tally climbs past 35,000 cases and 400 deaths. Iran follows with 21,638 cases and 1,685 deaths. Worldwide figures approach 340,000 cases, 14,500 deaths, and 100,000 recoveries.
Japan's official count stands at 1,101 cases and 41 deaths despite early concerns. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) rules out cancellation of the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games, favoring postponement instead, with a final decision in about a month.
This delay draws criticism. UK sprinter Dina Asher-Smith, reigning 200m world champion, warned that prolonged uncertainty forces athletes to risk training amid threats to staff, families, and themselves.
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