Seven to 10 per cent of new confirmed coronavirus cases in France are suspected to be of the Omicron variant, Health Minister Olivier Veran has said.

He said the rapid spread of the new variant was the main reason for the planned introduction of a new vaccination pass early next year, which will require that people show proof of vaccination to enter restaurants and long-distance public transport, Reuters reported.

Under the current health pass regulation, a recent negative Covid test is sufficient for entering public places.