European countries reported their highest daily COVID-19 infection figures yet on Friday, with the U.S. daily average also marking a record high, as the Omicron variant continues its spread.
There were 232,200 cases reported in France and 189,846 in Britain, while Italy confirmed over 144,243 and Greece 40,560.
The seven-day average for new daily cases in the United States stood at 355,990 on Thursday, CNN reported, citing data from Johns Hopkins University.
French President Emmanuel Macron said Friday in a New Year's Eve address that the next few weeks will be difficult, preparing his nation for upcoming challenges as subdued year-end celebrations began.
But the president said 2022 could prove to be the year France "exits the pandemic" on the back of progress in vaccinations.
