Coronavirus: Masks made mandatory outdoors across Italy

Italy has made it mandatory to wear face masks in outdoor spaces across the country in an attempt to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Italians must also wear masks indoors everywhere except in private homes.

Although Covid-19 cases are much lower in Italy than in many other European countries, there has been a steady rise in infections.

Meanwhile, Germany reported a spike in its infection rate to more than 4,000 daily cases.

Although this figure is lower than in many European countries, it is Germany's highest number of cases in 24 hours since April. Testing has increased, however, so more cases are being recorded.

Germany has seen fewer than 10,000 coronavirus-related deaths so far, out of a population of 83 million. But new restrictions are being introduced, including a ban on people from high-risk regions staying in hotels in the rest of the country.

What's happening in Italy?
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said tougher measures were needed to avoid returning to an economically devastating lockdown in Italy.

"From now on, masks and protective gear have to be brought with us when we leave our house and worn. We have to wear them all the time unless we are in a situation of continuous isolation," he said.