Cubans in the capital Havana express their joy at returning to the beach, after nearly 300 days banned from doing so because of coronavirus restrictions.

In this special edition of the Debate: It was a measure Emmanuel Macron had hoped to avoid, but on Thursday the government finally felt forced to lock down Paris and the greater Île-de-France region, as well as a string of other regions as the Covid-19 pandemic is swamping overall hospital capacity. Our guests discuss the efficiency of the government's latest announcement.

Two Nigerians have designed the Next Generation mask. The next generation of masks will help redefine the norm of mask-wearing behavior and sustain crucial preventive health measures. The Mask will be effective in slowing and preventing the spread of COVID-19. While some masks are ill-fitting, uncomfortable, not breathable, and the most effective masks are often unavailable or expensive. This mask will help solve the problems.

Italy has introduced a raft of new measures against coronavirus, closing all bars and restaurants from early evening. The response follows a surge in cases.

Argentina has recorded 485 deaths in a single day, its highest tally since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, France is introducing new legislation to protect child stars on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and Facebook. It's the first country to do so. In other news: Happy 80th birthday to John Lennon!

From today in France, the Covid-19 rules in primary schools are being relaxed. But with cases continuing to rise, the move is worrying some parents and teachers. Meanwhile, the UK is bringing in new restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus, as the public mood grows more critical of the government. Finally, we take a look at reactions to the UN General Assembly's 75th session - a virtual event which is also being called the world's worst Zoom meeting.

The Australian economy has entered recession for the first time in almost thirty years, because of lockdown measures linked to the coronavirus pandemic. Household spending and hours worked fell between April and June, but government support for businesses and workers helped to prevent a drop in incomes. The 7 percent slump in GDP over the second quarter is the worst on record for the country. The Australian Finance Minister Josh Frydenberg described the impact of the virus on the economy as "devastating".