Brussels, Oct 14(UNI) Countries across Europe are tightening measures as the number of COVID-19 cases have shown an alarming rise in the past few weeks, reports said on Tuesday.
The Czech Republic for example which has the region's highest new infection rate per 100,000 people, is imposing a three-week partial lockdown under which schools will be shut along with restaurants bars and clubs and public consumption of alcohol has been banned.
The Netherlands, has also announced a partial lockdown, and has made wearing masks compulsory in public indoor spaces.
Meanwhile, hospital admissions are rising fast again in many countries.
Authorities in France said that by the end of next week hospitals in Paris could have 90% of their intensive care beds filled up by COVID patients.
President Emmanuel Macron is expected to announce further restrictions in a televised address on Wednesday. Local media reports suggest that cities considered hotspots, including Paris, could face evening curfews.
Earlier, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was "watching with great concern" the situation in Europe, and added: "I must say the situation continues to be serious."
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