The number of coronavirus patients in intensive care units in France rose on Sunday, the Ministry of Health said, as the country battles to contain a third wave of infections.

5,893 people were admitted in intensive care units with COVID-19, which is 16 more than were on Saturday. The number of COVID-19 patients in hospital rose by 460 to 30,789, the ministry added, ending a streak of five consecutive daily reductions.

According to a government spokesman, there are indications that the pressure on the medical system is easing slightly, but that the situation in hospitals remains serious

Meanwhile, the government reported an additional 140 deaths from COVID-19, and 29,344 new infections.

The number of infections is a decline from those reported on Saturday when the country recorded 35,861 new cases, and on Sunday last week 34,895.

As of Sunday, 12.5 million people in France have received their first vaccine dose against the virus.

France hopes an acceleration of its vaccination campaign, combined with the month-long nationwide lockdown in place since last weekend, will help it regain control over the outbreak.

(With input from Reuters)