In Germany, the government has effected a hard lockdown, closing schools and non-essential businesses in an attempt to stop a sharp rise in Covid-19 infections.

The measures will be in place until January 10. However, Christmas will see a slight easing, with one household allowed to host up to four close family members.

The country reported another 952 deaths and 27,728 cases on Wednesday.

Other European countries have tightened restrictions ahead of Christmas, with France introducing a night-time curfew.

In Germany's new measures, only essential businesses such as supermarkets and banks will be allowed to remain open.

Restaurants, bars, and leisure centers have been shut since November and some areas of the country had imposed their own lockdowns.