In Europe, governments are scrambling to contain an alarming resurgence of the coronavirus. On Friday, France became the second European country to surpass 1 million confirmed infections, following Spain earlier this week. Several other countries are also setting fresh records for daily cases. The crisis is prompting leaders across the continent to tighten restrictions and impose lockdowns once more.
And Germany has passed a worrying milestone in the coronavirus pandemic. A total of more than 10,000 people have now died from COVID-19 in Germany. This follows a sharp rise in cases in recent weeks. A new record in daily new infections has also been set in the last 24 hours, with more than 14,000 cases reported.
Poland's president Andrzej Duda has tested positive for COVID-19 as the country faces a record rise in cases. A spokesperson said Duda is feeling well.
Czechia has also hit a record number of daily infections. On Friday more than 15,000 new cases were counted.
And Japan's government is asking businesses to extend their New Year holidays until mid-January to let workers travel off-peak to their hometowns and holiday destinations.
