COVID-19 cases are on the rise again in various parts of Europe as the cold weather has affected the spread of the virus, writes Euronews.

Countries on the Old Continent are attempting to curb the spike through various means - from a national lockdown in Austria, to limiting access to certain services elsewhere, or pushing for an increase in vaccination rates.

The epidemic in France is “deteriorating”, the government has said as the country reported more than 30,000 new daily cases. Health minister Olivier Véran is expected to announce new measures on Thursday (November 25) concerning booster doses, more preventive measures such as mask-wearing, and possible changes to the health pass.

The Italian government decided to exclude unvaccinated people from certain leisure activities in a bid to contain rising coronavirus infections and avoid financially crippling lockdowns. Starting December 6, only people with proof of vaccination or of having recovered from COVID-19 can eat at indoor restaurants, go to the movies or attend sporting events. Having just a negative test result is no longer acceptable in what was dubbed a “reinforced” or super green pass.

Austria has gone back into a national lockdown as of Monday (November 22), becoming the first EU country to take such a measure in the face of the COVID-19 resurgence. The lockdown will last at least 10 days but could extend to 20, officials said.