A woman sits on a metro car in Lyon,  France on the fourth day of a strict lockdown to stop the spread of COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus on March 20, 2020. (Photo: AFP)

Paris (People's Daily) -- French health officials announced the country has approximately 32,964 confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases. The new figure represents an increase of 3,809 in 24 hours, said Jerome Salomon, director of the country’s public health agency at a daily press conference on Friday.

The COVID-19 death toll nationwide surged to 1,995 after 299 victims died in one day.

Across the country, 15,732 COVID-19 victims have been hospitalized, with 3,787 still in critical condition, said Salomon.

French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe announced the nationwide lockdown, which began on March 17, would be extended for two-weeks in an effort reduce the ongoing surge in COVID-19 infections.

Philippe also said the lockdown would be extended again if the health situation required it.