Global coronavirus cases hit a record high Monday as the Omicron variant continued to spread at an unprecedented pace. Worldwide, countries reported nearly a million-and-a-half positive coronavirus tests in just 24 hours, with the rate of new infections rising rapidly in southern Africa, Europe, North America and elsewhere. 

France ordered new public health measures Monday, including a requirement that people show proof of vaccination to enter restaurants and other public places. But French officials stopped short of a new lockdown and abandoned a push for a workplace vaccine mandate. 

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he will not introduce new COVID-19 restrictions in England before the new year, despite a record 114,000 new cases reported on Christmas Day.

In Argentina, cases spiked to their highest level in six months and are increasing rapidly.