France records over 100,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours, breaking record for third consecutive day

Covid infections in France passed 100,000 on Saturday, with health officials recording 104,611 cases over the previous 24 hours, the third consecutive day the numbers have reached record highs.

The latest figures, from France’s public health agency, come ahead of a video-conference meeting Monday in which President Emmanuel Macron and key members of his government will discuss new Covid safety measures. Officials are worried about the effect of the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.

On Friday, the health authority recommended adults receive a booster jab three months after their initial vaccination. The government is now moving to make the health pass issued to the vaccinated valid only if people accept the booster jab. The pass is required for access to cafes, restaurants and public spaces, as well as for international travel.

Some regions have already enacted their own safety measures.  At the end of last month, officials in Savoie reintroduced the compulsory wearing of masks, not just in indoor public spaces, but outdoors too 

The latest figures mark a stark increase since the beginning of the month: on December 4, the numbers broke 50,000 for the first time before steadily rising. To date, France has recorded 122,546 deaths from the coronavirus. So far, 76.5 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.