France posts record new daily 332,252 COVID-19 infections

France on Wednesday reported 332,252 new cases in a 24-hour span, the highest daily record since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country, reported Xinhua.

Speaking to the press on Wednesday, French government spokesperson Gabriel Attal said that the fight against the pandemic in France is "far from over."

According to Attal, hospitals are overcrowded, and the majority of coronavirus-infected patients in intensive care are unvaccinated.

He warned that the situation could get worse over the next few weeks.

About 3,700 COVID-19 patients are in intensive care, which is more than 70 percent of the French health system's initial capacity.

He also announced several decisions of the Council of Ministers, including the declaration of a health emergency in French overseas territories.

For travellers between France and the United Kingdom, the list of compelling reasons to travel will be "enlarged, mostly for professionals."

Eight million COVID-19 self-tests will be distributed next week in pharmacies, including Chinese-made self-tests.