President Emmanuel Macron is to hold a new meeting on the issue at the Elysée today at 18h (Sunday March 8), after cases rose by 336 in just 24 hours to 949, and the death toll rose to 16.

Of these 16, 12 were people aged over 70, with comorbidities (existing health conditions). Of the 949 diagnosed, 45 are confirmed as completely cured.

Yet, director general of health Professor Jérôme Salomon said: “This is fewer [people cured] than we would see for normal ‘flu.”

The most-affected regions are Grand Est (250 cases), Hauts-de-France (173), Bourgogne-Franche-Comté (129), Ile-de-France (104), and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (102). All other regions have confirmed fewer than 50 cases each.

Professor Salomon said: “In France, we are still at stage two, with a clear objective to slow the spread of the virus in our country. We will move inevitably towards stage three gradually, and then arrive at stage four, which signals a return to normality.”

Stage three of three would indicate a full-blown epidemic, which can no longer be contained. It would lead to stringent measures including the closure of schools, the cancellation of public events and sports matches, and a reduction in transport services.

In the Oise and the Haut-Rhin - two of the most affected “cluster” areas in France - schools and crèches are already set to be closed for two weeks from tomorrow (Monday March 9).

Advice to help stop the spread includes: