France has extended its lockdown for another month until 11 May as the country continues to deal with a growing number of fatalities from the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Emmanuel Macron made the announcement in a live, primetime address to the nation.

It was not unexpected news - an extension to the confinement measures had been widely expected by the French public, especially since the Elysee Palace hinted at the move last week.

Making his fourth national speech since the outbreak began in France, Emmanuel Macron admitted some failings and said the government could have acted more swiftly in dealing with the crisis.

"In the last few days, the number of people admitted into intensive care has decreased and hope is returning," he said. "Were we prepared for this crisis? Obviously not sufficiently, but we faced up to it."

He said that some schools will be able to re-open after 11 May, but only elementary and secondary institutions – universities will remain closed for the rest of the academic year, though some may open partially in the summer to allow students to sit exams.

But as for other public spaces, such as bars and restaurants, they will remain closed beyond the new end date of 11 May.

Macron said: "Restaurants, cafés and hotels, cinemas, theaters and museums will remain closed. Major festivals and events with large audiences will not be able to take place until at least mid-July."

'Anyone with symptoms must be tested'

The French leader also made clear that one major aim for the government was to have the ability to test every person displaying possible COVID-19 symptoms by mid-May.

"We're not going to test all French men and women; that would make no sense. But anyone with symptoms must be able to get tested," he said.

He also called for massive investment in medical research, saying France is a world leader in that field and work on a possible vaccine should be accelerated.

The president said a huge medical screening program will be rolled out, along with an increase in the production of face masks and other personal protective equipment.

The speech took place at 8.02pm local time, to allow a couple of minutes for the public to take part in the now-traditional 8pm applause for doctors and nurses dealing with the pandemic.

"The epidemic is not yet under control, so we must continue our efforts and continue to respect the rules," said Macron.

"The more they are respected, the more lives will be saved. That is why the strictest lockdown must continue until Monday, 11 May."

The French president did try to mark a happier note towards the end of his speech, saying that brighter days are ahead, saluting the efforts made by everyone in the country to get through this unprecedented pandemic.

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