Two of Europe's biggest capitals are in trouble as Paris imposed overnight curfews and London banned people from different households from meeting indoors to combat the spread of coronavirus. The announcements came as countries across Europe tightened restrictions following a surge in Covid-19 cases in most countries.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the capital and the cities of Aix-Marseille, Grenoble, Montpellier, Toulouse, Saint Etienne, Lille, Rouen and Lyon will face a 9 pm to 6 am curfew beginning midnight tonight. Violating the nighttime curfew will carry a fine. In France, a further 30,621 infections were confirmed yesterday, up from 22,591 the day before.

UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced millions of people in London, Essex, York and other areas face tougher Tier 2 Covid measures from Saturday. Under this high level, there is a ban on households mixing indoors, including in pubs and restaurants. More than half of England's population will now be living under high or very high- restrictions. Today, a further 18,980 cases and 138 deaths within 28 days of a positive test were reported in the UK.

Millions in Europe have been told they must live under strict new measures as governments battle a second wave.

According to WHO data, the number of COVID infected cases has crossed 37.88 million worldwide. The World Bank has approved 12 billion dollars in financing to help developing countries buy and distribute Coronavirus vaccines, tests and treatments. It aims to support vaccination of up to one billion people. In another development, restrictions are being ramped up in parts of Europe in response to a rapid rise of COVID-19 infections.