Europe tightens COVID-19 restrictions as face mask debate continues

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New measures are being brought in throughout Europe as concern grows that returning holiday-makers could spread the coronavirus at workplaces and schools.

The restrictions include the closureof nightclubs as well as tougher rules onface masks.

There were demonstrations in Spain 's capital Madrid this weekend against face coverings and the government's handling of the COVID-19 crisis.

Protesters rallied against measures aimed at curbing a rise in coronavirus infections such as the mandatory use of face masks in every public space.

But across the country in Barcelona, people who are worried about catching the virus or being asymptomatic but still positive queued to get tested for symptoms and antibodies.

Hundreds attended protests in Madrid against the mandatory wearing of face coverings and the government's handling of the pandemic. /Reuters

It is currently the peak summer holiday season in Europe and many embattled economies like Italy are hoping to get a boost from the traditional August vacations.

But restrictions are tightening on nightclubs in both Italy and across the Ionian Sea in Greece .

The government in Athens is worried by the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and midnight curfews are being imposed on bars and clubs for at least the next week.

France is proposing that masks be compulsory in workspaces as people start to return back to offices after their holidays.

There have been more than 6,000 new COVID-19 cases in 48 hours in the country, as a surge in infections continues.

Face coverings are already obligatory in some outdoor areas in many French towns and cities.