An increase in coronavirus cases around Europe has prompted France, Germany and Spain to introduce tougher infection control measures.
France expanded a mask-wearing order across the capital Paris and raised the number of regions in the "red zone" to 21, as new cases across the country tipped above 6,000.
Germany trailed an AUD$80 fine for those caught without a mask where it is compulsory, and said fans may have to stay away from sports stadiums until at least December.
Madrid said children as young as six will be required to cover their nose and mouth at Spanish schools, while Britain reversed earlier guidance that pupils aged 11-18 did not need to wear masks.
Countries worldwide are struggling to balance the need for populations to get back to work and study with keeping cases under control, fearing, above all, a return to draconian lockdowns.
French President Emmanuel Macron Source: ABACA
The pandemic has killed more than 826,000 people worldwide since surfacing in China late last year, and more than 24 million infections have been recorded.
Tourist trade slammed
While travel has been blamed in part for the rise in cases in Europe, attempts to salvage at least some of the vital tourist trade were not enough for Paris.
Fourteen million fewer tourists explored the French capital in the first six months of 2020 compared to last year, Ile-de-France president Valerie Pecresse said.
"We have seen the pandemic shatter an extremely dynamic and flourishing sector," Ms Pecresse said.
Tourists stroll the Montmartre district in Paris Source: AP
The impact has been felt by global businesses tied to travel, with aircraft engine maker Rolls Royce losing AUD$10 million in January-June, while Air New Zealand lost AUD$413 milliion over its full financial year.
Adding to a growing list of country-by-country travel restrictions, Britain says it would require arrivals from the Czech Republic, Switzerland and Jamaica to quarantine themselves from Saturday.
Outlining tougher restrictions, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said "we are calling on people to avoid travel to risk areas wherever possible".
German Chancellor Angela Merkel takes her mask off Source: AAP
'Should have ordered masks sooner'
Paris is one of the hardest-hit regions in France, where official figures released in France showed more than 5,400 confirmed new cases in just 24 hours, the highest level since May.
Sylvie Soufir argued that the government "should have (ordered mask-wearing) a long time ago" and Prime Minister Jean Castex has warned a new lockdown cannot be ruled out.
One of those French regions affected by tighter regulations includes Nice, which hosts the start of the postponed Tour de France.
Slovenia's Primoz Roglic, center, Netherland's Tom Dumoulin, left, and German Tony Martin wear a face mask as they arrive for the 107th Tour de France Source: AAP
Four members of the Lotto support team were sent home to self-isolate after positive pre-race tests.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
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