Finland, Hungary, Portugal, Switzerland became the latest countries to reintroduce measures on internal borders.

Movement restrictions, schools closure, suspension of businesses are being taken across Europe.

These measures are extraordinary at a time when Europe has been described by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic last Friday.

Since then, escalations have been seen in both the coronavirus cases and social distancing measures across the continent.

"We are at war," said French President Emmanuel Macron. He repeated the phrase several times in his televised address to the nation on Monday evening.

The president urged all citizens to stay home and reduce movement for at least 15 days to help the country battle the virus.

France's neighbor Belgium, a country with a population of some 11 million, has seen its coronavirus infection cases topping 1,000, with five deaths but only one recovery.

"Our country is facing an unprecedented and crucial health crisis," said King Philippe of Belgium in a speech Monday evening.