France ramps up production of face masks

France plans to quickly ramp up domestic production of face masks and respirators to respond to urgent needs of hospitals and caregivers during the coronavirus epidemic, French President Emmanuel Macron says.

During a visit to a face mask factory on Tuesday, Macron said France needs at least 40 million face masks per week and that current domestic production and stocks were insufficient.

The country's factories would boost output and by the end of April they should be able to produce 15 million face masks per week, he said.

Macron also said that France has put together a consortium to build more ventilators.

The group will be led by respirator maker Air Liquide and will also include car parts maker Valeo, car maker PSA and Schneider Electric.