More than 3.9 billion people, or half of the world's population, are now being called on to remain in their homes to combat Covid-19, according to an AFP tally on Thursday.

The measures — which include compulsory or recommended confinement, curfews and quarantines — are in place in more than 90 countries and territories. The introduction of a curfew in Thailand, which takes effect on Friday, pushed the number past half of the global population.