get a lot of people that i get to deeding hospitalisation. let's take a look at the latest data on confirmed new infections from some of the worst—affected countries. all are lower than in previous days, but that could be a factor of the new year public holiday. italy has announced 61,406 new cases on sunday. that's down from more than 140,000 a day earlier. in france, there were 58,1132 new infections — much lower than the figure of over 200—thousand which was reported in each of hte last four days. the uk only has figures from england and wales — there were 137 thousand 583 new infections recorded, in the latest 24—hour period — again much lower than over the past week. the uk government is bracing itself for as many as one in four of public sector employees being off work because of covid. it has responded to the rise in infections by re—introducing masks and face coverings in secondary schools in england — bringing it in line with the rest of the uk. with the details, here's sanchia berg. in scotland, pupils have been