France declares a state of emergency

France has declared a public health state of emergency as coronavirus cases rise across the country. The declaration gives authorities greater power to enforce restrictions intended to slow the spread of the virus.

 French President Emmanuel Macron says the country has not lost control of infections but must react cautiously to the second wave.

A nightly 9pm to 6am curfew has been imposed in major cities and no more than six people can meet for family gatherings.

The country recorded more than 20,000 new cases for the third time in six days.