this is bbc news. our top stories. record numbers of cold infections are recorded in both france and the united states as the omicron variant continues to spread. borisjohnson defends the uk government's decision not to oppose further covered restrictions in england before the new year. he says 90% of those in intensive care have not had a boosterjab. one of the last pro—democracy media outlets in hong kong shuts down after the police raid. and praise and thanksgiving in soweto after the death of archbishop desmond tutu.