France on Wednesday announced a new record of more than 332,000 new COVID-19 infections from tests conducted over the last 24 hours.

The country recorded a total of 332,252 cases as it continues to battle a fifth wave of the virus.

In the same period, the number of virus-related deaths in hospitals rose by 246, taking the total since the onset of the pandemic to 97,670.

France is banking on increased vaccinations to contain further spread of the virus and avoid possible reintroduction of restrictions.

President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday he wanted to severely limit the ability of unvaccinated people to participate in social life, vowing to make life difficult for them.

His comments came as the government seeks to push through legislation that would require people to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before entering public spaces.

(With input from France24)