France goes on lockdown after nearly 1000 new cases today
French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe closed all cafes, restaurants, discos and cinemas until further notice.
That will mean almost a complete halt of the world's seventh largest economy with neighbouring Italy in the same situation. Germany and Spain remain open but cases are rising.
Banks, grocery stores and pharmacies will remain open along with public transit but Philippe asked that people limit use to essential travel.
"We must show more discipline," he said after noting that too many people were still out in restaurants and cafes.
Other businesses can remain open but Philippe encouraged working from home wherever possible.
At the same time, the number of cases in France rose to 4.499 from 3,661 a day earlier. Cases have doubled in 72 hours. Deaths hit 91 from 79 on Friday.
