On Wednesday, France imposed a curfew in Paris and eight other cities from Saturday, while Germany and Ireland also ramped up restrictions.
“We have to act. We need to put a brake on the spread of the virus,” President Emmanuel Macron told public television, announcing a shutdown between 9:00 pm and 6:00 am that will remain in force for as long as six weeks.
Other major French cities such as Lyon, the Mediterranean port Marseille and southwestern Toulouse will similarly impose curfews, with around 20 million people affected in all, out of a total population of some 67 million.
In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel announced tougher measures on gatherings and mask-wearing.
“I am convinced that what we do now will be decisive for how we come through this pandemic,” the leader said.
