January 5, Wednesday, 2022 (1:30 p.m.) Newsline read by Ms. Yamamoto Miki

1. Japan’s officials are monitoring a rapid spread for coronavirus infections. Okinawa
confirmed 623 new cases on Wednesday, well over double the day before.
2. A number of European countries are reporting record levels of daily new infections
of the coronavirus. In France, the figure marked a record high of more than 270,000 on Tuesday. Britain reported more than 200,000 new cases, also the highest daily tally.
3. The World Health Organization has been alarmed by the spread of the coronavirus
Omicron variant. But the organization confirmed on Tuesday that this strain is causing milder symptoms.