The Italian region of Lombardy, the first European epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic, has ordered all bars to shut at midnight from today as it battles a second wave of the disease.

According to AFP, all amateur sporting events have also been put on hold in the wealthy northern region where the first cases of Covid-19 in Europe emerged in February. Under the new restrictions that will stay in effect until November 6, bars will after 6pm only be able to serve customers seated at tables, and the sale of takeaway alcohol is also banned after that time.

Lombardy, the most populous region of Italy, has also prohibited the consumption of food and drink in all public outside areas under the new rules.