France's daily coronavirus infections surpassed 500,000 for the first time on Tuesday amid a rapid spread of infections driven by the Omicron variant.

French health authorities said the daily number of new cases rose to 501,635, a record high.

Nearly 80 percent of the French population have been vaccinated against the coronavirus. But daily new infections have been topping 300,000 since the beginning of January.

France now takes tighter anti-infection measures under a new law that came into force on Monday.

Previously, people were allowed to enter bars and restaurants if they showed either proof of vaccination or negative test results. But under the new law, only vaccination certificates are accepted at dining establishments and entertainment facilities.