PARIS, March 20 (Xinhua) -- France has confirmed 12,612 coronavirus infection cases, including 1,297 in intensive care, Director-General of Health Jerome Salomon said on Friday.

A total of 450 people have lost their lives to the virus while 1,587 patients have recovered, said Salomon at a daily briefing.

Half of the patients in intensive care are younger than 60 years old, he added, urging the French not to think about enjoying the coming weekend as before but strictly respect the confinement order by staying home and avoiding contact with others.