France sees 'exponential rise' in coronavirus cases

France has recorded its biggest daily rise in coronavirus infections since March but President Emmanuel Macron remains cautious about another nationwide lockdown considering the harm it may do to the economy.

The French health ministry said France has seen an "exponential" rise in cases, recording 7,578 on Friday, following increases of 6,111 on Thursday and 5,429 on Wednesday.

Despite the sharp rise, daily deaths in hospital are relatively stable, as young people, who make up most of the new cases, are less vulnerable to the virus.

Shortly after the figures were released, Macron said "We're doing everything to avoid another lockdown, and in particular a nationwide lockdown. Containment is the crudest of measures to fight against the virus." 

He cautioned that a second lockdown would set back the country's fragile economic recovery but added it would be dangerous to rule out any scenario.

Like other hard-hit western European countries, France imposed a sudden and strict lockdown in March, during which most residents were confined to their homes. The restrictions were gradually lifted from May 11 after infections dropped sharply.

The authorities are now searching for ways to limit the spread of the disease without a new lockdown. On Friday, Parisians were ordered to wear masks at all times outdoors in the capital.