Germany has recorded its biggest daily increase in coronavirus cases in more than three months as European countries struggle to curb a surge in infections.

Meanwhile, France had 2,524 new cases in 24 hours, the highest daily rise since its lockdown was lifted in May.

In total, Spain has recorded more than 326,000 cases - the highest number in Western Europe and the 11th highest in the world.

Wearing a face mask became compulsory in all public areas in Brussels on Wednesday amid a rise in cases.

Authorities said the enhanced rules were introduced because of a rise in infections, with Brussels recording an average of 50 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants per day over the past week.

Belgium has recorded more than 75,000 cases of coronavirus and more than 9,800 deaths, according to data collated by Johns Hopkins University.

This year's Paris marathon has been cancelled as France battles a spike in coronavirus cases, organisers said on Wednesday.

"There will be great disappointment among those who have sacrificed time training for what had become an autumn marathon," they said

A government spokesman on Wednesday said France would gradually ramp up police checks to ensure that people were respecting social distancing and wearing masks where required