December 29

France confirmed 179,807 new cases of the coronavirus on Tuesday, reaching a record high. The government is tightening measures to curb the infections.

Tuesday's figure was about 1.7 times the previous record of 104,611 marked on Saturday.

Experts say the surge is due to the rapid spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant. They also cited an increasing number of people who are getting tested for the virus ahead of family gatherings during holidays.

The French government plans to boost vaccinations by passing a law that will require people to show proof of vaccination in order to enter public places such as restaurants.

The cabinet approved a draft bill for the measure on Monday, and the legislation is expected to take effect on January 15.

NHK