Paris, 29 December 2021 (dpa/MIA) - The number of new coronavirus cases recorded in France in the past 24 hours reached a new high of 208,000 on Wednesday. "Looking at the numbers we are registering, I'm inclined to speak of a tidal wave," Health Minister Olivier Véran told the National Assembly in Paris, the France info channel reported. "These are figures that make me dizzy," Véran said, adding that at this rate, two people in France test positive for the virus every second. The government had already announced that tighter restrictions would come into force next month. From January 15, people will need to show proof of vaccination or proof of recovery to take part is most aspects of daily life - tests are no longer enough.