PARIS: France has reported a sharp rise in new Covid-19 cases ahead of a night-time curfew being imposed on Paris and eight other cities on Saturday.

A further 30,621 infections were confirmed on Thursday, up from 22,591 the day before, according to the latest figures collated by Worldometer.

With the additional cases, the number of infection cases in France has reached 809,684 until Friday morning.

Currently, 672,477 people are undergoing treatment at various hospitals across the country. Meanwhile, 104,082 have recovered from the virus.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that tough restrictions are “absolutely necessary” to save lives.

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

From Saturday, socialising indoors will be banned in London, as the UK capital and other areas of England will be put under a higher Covid alert.

(With inputs from Agecies)