People walk in a shopping mall Monday, May 11, 2020 in Paris. (Photo: AP)

Paris (People’s Daily) - French officials with the Ministry of Health and Solidarity announced 456 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, bringing the nationwide total to 139,519 infections with 2,712 severe cases, and 263 additional fatalities.

The COVID-19 death toll in France stands at 26,643.

As the first day of the lockdown ease, roads were congested, and a few subway platforms were crowded. 

Keolis Group Executive Chairman Patrick Jeantet believes that "respecting one meter of distance strictly in public transport is something that is unrealistic."

Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, the Secretary of State for Transport, said that about five percent of all subway passengers did not wear mandatory face masks.