Two of the EU's biggest states, France and Spain, have followed Italy in announcing emergency restrictions to combat the spread of coronavirus.
France, a country of 63.5 million, ordered the closure of all non-essential places used by the public from midnight.
Sweeping curbs on citizens' movements will take effect overnight in Spain, which has a population of 46.7 million.
Spain is the worst-hit country in Europe after Italy.
There are 191 deaths and 6,046 infections in Spain.
Italy has recorded more than 1,440 deaths.
Among other developments, US President Donald Trump tested negative for coronavirus.
Trump was tested days after hosting an event that included some guests who were later found to have the virus.
The US is to extend its European coronavirus travel ban to include the UK and Republic of Ireland.
The World Health Organization has said Europe was now the "epicentre" of the pandemic.
Its head, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, urged countries to use aggressive measures, community mobilisation and social distancing to save lives.
[Source:BBC]
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