French President Emmanuel Macron (Photo: Xinhua)

Paris (People's Daily) - France announced it would close schools and universities nationwide amid the COVID-19 pandemic, announced French President Emmanuel Macron during a nationally televised address on Thursday.

According to France's public health agency, the number of confirmed domestic COVID-19 cases reached 2,876 on Thursday, with 595 new cases reported in 24-hours. 

France’s COVID-19 death toll stands at 61, with 129 victims in critical condition.

“It’s one of the most serious health crises that France has ever faced in a century,” said Macron, “In spite of our efforts to stop it, the virus is still spreading.” 

Macron also called on companies to encourage employees to work from home and urged people to stay indoors to reduce infection risks.

However, Macron stressed that the municipal elections scheduled for this weekend should proceed as planned, and public transport should remain open.

To ease the economic impact caused by COVID-19, Macron said that businesses would not have to pay taxes normally due in March. 

Macron said he would work with European partners on a major stimulus package to boost the economy at any cost.