Champs-Elysees deserted amid virus lockdown

Paris enjoyed wonderful sunshine on Sunday but the city was extremely quiet amidst the nationwide coronavirus lockdown.

The Champs-Elysees was virtually empty along with other famous landmarks.

Police were wearing masks and checking paperwork to gauge whether pedestrians had a valid reason to be out on the street.

Some medical professionals expressed alarm in recent days that too many people are still going outside given the risks.

A number of them could be seen jogging by the Paris canal, getting their daily dose of exercise.

As of Saturday evening 441 people had died in France from coronavirus infections in the preceding 24 hours.

That is still down, according to the country's top health official - from 588 deaths the day before.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and can lead to death.