London (CNN)England has re-entered a national lockdown, following other European nations which have taken drastic steps to counter a surge in Covid-19 cases and deaths across the continent.
The restrictions, which took effect at midnight Thursday, will see restaurants, bars and non-essential businesses close until December 2.
England's lockdown came days after similar measures were enacted in France and Germany, and ahead of a number of Italian regions becoming "red zones" on Friday.
Speaking before the parliamentary vote Wednesday which paved the way for the new lockdown, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he had been "confronted" with data projecting that the UK's National Health Service (NHS) could "collapse" in the face of increased demand because of Covid-19.
Read more ...
More News On The Covid-19 Pandemic In Europe
Europe's second wave of coronavirus is starting to eclipse the first -- New Scientist
Two-thirds of Europe now under strict new COVID-19 measures, lockdowns -- Business Insider
Latest coronavirus lockdowns spark protests across Europe -- The Guardian
