French health minister: Worst of epidemic behind us, but virus not dead

FILE PHOTO: French Health and Solidarity Minister Olivier Veran leaves the Elysee Palace after attending the weekly cabinet meeting on June 10, 2020 in Paris, France. Ludovic Marin/Pool via REUTERS

PARIS (Reuters) - The worst part of the coronavirus epidemic is behind France, but people must remain vigilant as the virus continues to circulate, Health Minister Olivier Veran said on Monday.

"The largest part of the epidemic is behind us but the virus is not dead. We did not completely defeat it and we are controlling its circulation. We continue testing," Veran told LCI television.