Spain on Friday announced strong new measures to reverse a worrying spike in COVID-19 cases, including new limitations on nightlife, smoking, and nursing homes.

Across Spain, nightclubs, dance halls and cocktail bars will close their doors until a vaccine or effective treatment is discovered, said Health Minister Salvador Illa.

Nightlife and social gatherings have been two of the main drivers of Spain"s summer surge in cases, following relaxed restrictions as it seemed the worst might have passed. Over the last two weeks, nearly 50 000 new infections have been confirmed.

Authorities will also crack down on drinking on the streets.

Smoking will soon be forbidden in all public places in the country, including outdoor terraces, when smokers cannot keep two meters of distance between themselves and others.