On Wednesday evening, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that a nationwide lockdown will be reimposed from Friday, adding that the "virus is circulating at a speed that not even the most pessimistic forecasts had anticipated".
Macron further added, "Like all our neighbours, we are at the same point, overwhelmed by a second wave which will undoubtedly be harder and more deadly than the first."
On Wednesday 36,437 new COVID-19 infections were reported in France. The Public Health Agency data the tally of coronavirus cases rose to 1,235,132, including 35,785 deaths, up by 244 in one day.
The French president said the new lockdown, unlike the previous one, will be stricter. People who have to go to work, who have a medical appointment, to assist, to go shopping or to take a flight will be authorized to move.
The restrictive measures would affect universities, libraries, bars, cafes, restaurants, gyms, while public gatherings are banned and cultural ceremonies and conferences are suspended.
Schools will remain open while sectors like public services, factories, farms and constructions will continue with their activities "in strict compliance with health protocols," said the president.
President said he expects the people to follow the rules and if the situation improves, reopening of important business can be reviewed. "We need everyone's sense of responsibility. Stay at home as much as possible. Respect the rules. Success depends on the good citizenship of every one of us. Every hour counts," stressed the president.
Germany will also impose starting lockdown starting from November 2, to curb the spread of sudden increase in covid cases.
Only members of the same household plus those of an additional household with a maximum of ten people would be allowed to meet in public.
Entertainments, leisure activities, theatres, parlours, tattoo studios, bars and restaurants will remain closed, whereas shops will operate.
Schools and kindergartens will function but under new hygiene protocols.
Germany registered a daily record high of 14,964 new cases, taking the national caseload to 464,239, while the death toll rose by 85 to 10,183, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Germany's disease control agency.
During the partial lockdown in November, Minister of Finance Olaf Scholz and Economic Affairs Minister Peter Altmaier sought to reimburse companies particularly affected by the coronavirus crisis with up to 75 per cent of lost revenues.
Health Minister Jens Spahn told public broadcaster SWR on Wednesday that it is time to break the Covid-19 wave now.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday has urged the European Union (EU) member states to support and take responsibility at all levels to fight the second wave of the pandemic.
Von der Leyen has announced new proposals made by the Commission to augment the EU-level coordination to address the health crisis.
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The new methods include improving the flow of information to allow informed decision-making, establishing more effective and rapid testing, making full use of contact tracing and warning apps across borders.
Wearing a mask, hygiene, maintaining physical distance and indoor spaces lacking good ventilation, are some essential protocols to be followed.
Ireland too decided to impose a nationwide lockdown again owing to the resurgence of Covid-19 cases.