Britain said on Friday it would add Bangladesh, Kenya, Pakistan, and the Philippines to its travel "red list", banning entry to people arriving from those countries unless they are British or Irish nationals.

Britain adds Bangladesh, Kenya, Pakistan, Philippines to 'red list'

Europe's new COVID-19 cases have doubled in five weeks, propelling the region on Sunday across the bleak milestone of 10 million total infections, according to a Reuters tally.

Europe's COVID-19 cases double in five weeks, total infections surpass 10 million

After weeks of lockdown put in place to contain the spread of coronavirus, many countries in Europe started preparing to lift restrictions after a consistent drop in the number of cases and fatalities.

Amid signs of coronavirus spread slowing, European nations prepare easing restrictions

Italy, Spain, and France reported a slowdown in new coronavirus cases, allowing governments in Europe to look for ways to safely ease lockdowns that are strangling the region’s economy.

Drop in COVID-19 cases across europe: Lockdown remains

Europe, the continent that is already in a financial crisis, is now under life support because of novel coronavirus with 305,851 cases, including 18,289 deaths. Major industries, especially tourism have come to a halt.

Already in ICU, Europe awaits major crisis once coronavirus ends

"Europe has now become the epicentre of the pandemic," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a virtual press conference on Friday.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Italy, Spain, France, Germany reel under COVID-19 pandemic

WHO warns Europe is coronavirus 'epicentre' as cases, deaths rise