at home.

French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner told Europe 1 radio on Thursday: "The 15-day period may be extended. If necessary, the government will renew it."

media caption The cruise ship cancellations have led to cleaner canals in Venice

He said that 4,095 fines had been handed out to transgressors and 70,000 control checks made since Wednesday morning. The fine is €135 ($150; £123).

"Some people think they're some kind of modern-day hero when they break the rules - but they're imbeciles, and a danger to themselves," Mr Castaner said.

What else is happening in Europe?

Spain announced on Thursday its coronavirus deaths had risen by 169 to 767 in the past 24 hours, an increase of 28%. Its number of infected people rose by 3,431, reaching 17,147.

Spain is the world's fourth-worst affected countrydeath, a 79-year-old woman who died from pneumonia in Moscow.

The country, which has reported only 147 cases, has temporarily barred entry to foreigners. It insists it has been transparent with its figures after some analysts questioned the low number.

In other moves: