A waiter is seen at a restaurant which provides takeaway service in Paris, France, May 22, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua]

France's Health Ministry on Monday said 29 people died of the COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the total tally to 29,436, while the hospitalization data continued its month-long decline.

In a statement, the ministry said 10,752 patients were hospitalized, of whom 846 were receiving intensive treatment, down by 33.

In total, France has recorded 157,372 confirmed cases, a single-day increase of 152, fewer than Sunday's 407. A total of 73,044 COVID-19 patients have recovered and returned home since early March.

The fresh improvement in the epidemic indicators came as France entered a new stage in easing lockdown measures. From Monday, bars, cafes and restaurants in Ile-de-France are allowed to fully reopen.

Visits to nursing homes are permitted but the ban on large gatherings is maintained. All nurseries, schools and colleges will reopen from June 22 when all students have to attend courses.

"Freedoms which have been found again, should be appreciated with vigilance," stressed the Health Ministry.

"Across the national territory, cautious must remain. In order to avoid an epidemic resurgence and limit the risk of clusters, let's apply all the barrier gestures...Let's be responsible," it said.