23 Oct
France has expanded curfew measures to fight the spread of the coronavirus. It is one of the European countries that have seen a spike in infections.
France confirmed more than 40,000 new cases for the first time on Thursday, reporting 41,622 infections. There is growing concern that the country's healthcare system could soon be overwhelmed.
Prime Minister Jean Castex said at a news conference on Thursday that a curfew that has been in place in Paris and elsewhere since Saturday will be extended to cover more than half of the country's 101 administrative departments at midnight on Friday.
The requirement for people to remain indoors from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. will now cover about 46 million people, or more than two thirds of the country's population.
Castex said the curfew may be tightened, depending on the results of a government analysis into its effectiveness next week.
Germany also saw its highest daily total on Thursday, registering 11,287 cases.
The head of a government scientific institution said, "We still have a chance to slow the spread of the pandemic." He called on people to take precautions, such as washing their hands and wearing face masks.
Meanwhile, the Belgian government said on Thursday that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmes had entered intensive care after testing positive but added that her condition was stable.
Belgium has the second highest number of infections per capita in Europe. The country has implemented a number of restrictions, including a curfew running from midnight to 5 a.m. and the closure of bars and restaurants.
NHK
