France has reported 12 cases of the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus.
The French Health Ministry says there are 12 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in the mainland of France, up from nine reported earlier in the day.
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The new variant - which the World Health Organisation said carries a "very high" risk of infection - could become the dominant strain of the virus in France by the end of January, according to the government's top scientific adviser.
France is currently grappling with a fifth wave of COVID-19 disease, which has strained the country's hospital system.
Australian Associated Press