Governments in Europe prepared a raft of tougher measures to fight the coronavirus pandemic , putting further strain on economies and political leaders as they seek a faster pace of vaccinations. France expanded a daily 12-hour curfew nationwide starting Saturday, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel is leading toward a tougher lockdown, amid concern that a more contagious Covid-19 variant may cause infections to spiral out of control. Vaccination is “the utmost priority” to get out of the crisis, French Prime Minister Jean Castex said. “But we must all be patient and responsible because it will take months before vaccination can sufficiently protect us all.” Hunt for Italy’s coronavirus patient zero finds a case in November 2019 Evidence is growing that another wave of the virus is sweeping across the region. New cases in Spain rose to a record on Thursday, more than doubling from Monday, and German infections topped 2 million. Merkel is seeking to discuss additional curbs with the premiers of Germany ’s 16 state governments next week. That would accelerate talks originally planned for January 25, according to a person who took part in a phone call between Merkel and leaders of her Christian Democratic Union party on Thursday. Further restrictions may include curfews and closing schools, Bild reported on Thursday. The meeting with regional leaders could be held on January 20, according to the newspaper. Merkel said she favoured further restrictions on social contacts and people’s mobility, the call participant said. Ireland’s cases rose to about 8,000 a day, one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in the world, from about 300, in a surge partly linked to the new strain. Scientists estimate that about 45 per cent of Irish cases are linked to the new variant. In Spain, regions are toughening rules for gatherings, travelling and restaurant opening times after relaxing restrictions to allow for family meetings during the Christmas season. “We are facing a wall,” said Francisco Igea, spokesman of the Castilla y Leon region, where the number of cases per 100,000 people has increased fourfold in the past two weeks. The region is expecting restrictions of movement will remain at least until May. Pope Francis to have Covid-19 vaccine, saying it is the ethical choice In France , cafes, bars and restaurants remained closed, along with cinemas, theatres and gyms. A 6pm to 6am curfew in place across much of eastern France will become nationwide from Saturday, said Castex, who also raised the prospect of shutting the part of the economy that remain open. “If we see a strong deterioration of the epidemic in coming days, we would have to decide, without delay, on a new lockdown,” Castex said.