A French doctor has warned that his country has lost control of the epidemic, a day after health authorities reported more than 52,000 new coronavirus cases as nations across Europe enact more sweeping restrictions to try to slow surging infection rates, AP reported.

Dr Jean-Franois Delfraissy, president of the scientific council that advises the French government on the virus, said the country is in a "very difficult, even critical situation".

"There probably are more than 50,000 new cases every day. Our estimate at the Scientific Council is closer to 100,000 twice as many," Delfraissy told RTL radio.

Between those who aren't tested and asymptomatic patients, were close to that number of cases. This means the virus is spreading extremely fast."