The president spoke after spending the afternoon visiting a military field hospital, installed this week on the parking lot of a hospital centre in Mulhouse (Haut-Rhin). The town has been overwhelmed by coronavirus victims with the Grand Est region particularly affected by the epidemic.

The key points announced were:

- Increased overtime pay and an exceptional bonus for all health workers and civil servants working to fight against the virus.

- In the longer term, "a massive investment and upgrading plan” for hospitals and workers therein in all sectors.

- The launch of a military operation, called Resilience, which is different to Operation Sentinel, to provide more aid to the population and support the work of the public services.