Europe 'now epicentre of coronavirus pandemic'
Europe is now the "epicentre" of the global coronavirus pandemic, the top of the World Health Organization says.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged countries to use aggressive measures, community mobilization and social distancing to save lots of lives.
"Do not simply let this fire burn," he said.
His comments came as several European countries reported steep rises in infections and deaths. Italy has recorded its highest daily toll yet.
There have been 250 deaths recorded in the last 24 hours, taking the full total to 1 1,266, with 17,660 infections overall.
Spain, the worst-affected European country after Italy, reported a 50% jump in fatalities to 120 on Friday. Infections increased to 4,231.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez says circumstances of alert will come into effect there on Saturday for two weeks.
Controls are also being introduced at a growing number of borders in Europe, in response to rapid spread of the virus.
How come Europe the 'epicentre'?
A lot more than 132,500 people have already been identified as having Covid-19 in 123 countries all over the world, in line with the WHO.
The full total number of deaths has already reached about 5,000 - a figure Dr Tedros described as "a tragic milestone".
"Europe has now become the epicentre of the pandemic, with more reported cases and deaths than the rest of the world combined, aside from China," he said.
"More cases are now reported each day than were reported in China at the height of its epidemic."
As well as the increases in Spain and Italy, France has confirmed 2,876 cases and 79 deaths, up from a complete of 61 deaths on Thursday.
Germany has seen 3,062 cases and five deaths. There have been 798 confirmed infections in the united kingdom and 11 deaths.
What are Europe doing about it?
Announcing the state of alert in Spain, Mr Sanchez said the federal government would "mobilise all the resources of state to better protect the health of most of its citizens".
It will be in a position to limit movement, order evacuations, prohibit usage of certain places and intervene in industry for 15 days.
"Victory depends on every one of us," Mr Sanchez said. "Heroism can be about washing your hands and residing at home."
All but "essential travel" to elements of Spain ought to be avoided, says the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Italy has imposed a nationwide lockdown.
Meanwhile, at least 10 other countries in Europe are enforcing border closures, including:
- Denmark: Closes borders to foreign visitors from Saturday
- Czech Republic: Bans all foreigners from entering the country, except people that have residence permits. Bans almost all of its nationals from leaving
- Slovakia: Closes borders to all or any foreigners except people that have a residence permit.
- Austria: Closes three land border crossings with Italy to all or any foreigners, except people that have a medical certificate issued within four days. No restriction on Austrian nationals
- Ukraine: Closes border crossings to foreigners (except diplomats) for 14 days
- Hungary: Closes land borders with Austria and Slovenia
- Poland: From Sunday will close borders to foreign visitors
Belgium, France, Switzerland and elements of Germany are among the latest countries to close schools.
There are also widespread curbs on large gatherings and measures to close theatres, restaurants and bars.
Germany's Bundesliga, the only person of the big five European football leagues still being played, is to suspend games in the most notable two divisions from Tuesday.
Paris's Louvre - the major art museum on the globe - announced it could close from Friday, as will the Eiffel Tower.
