A woman has been made to pay a fine of $818 in the UK after she was arrested by police for flouting a new coronavirus law at the weekend.

Marie Dinou, 41, had failed to explain to officers her reason for essential travel at Newcastle railway station. She was also found guilty of ticket fraud.

With Europe firmly in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, the task has now fallen to the continent's police to enforce varying degrees of public restrictions – from social distancing to a full lockdown.

Law enforcement agencies have been out on the streets, using drones, car and foot patrols to break up gatherings, regulating traffic – and in some instances handing out fines and even arresting rule-breakers.

Here CGTN Europe correspondents report on how some police forces are imposing the emergency measures:

The UK

By Simon Ormiston

Arrest: Yes. If instructions issued are not followed.

Fine: Yes. For the first offence it's $70, reduced to $35 for early payment. A repeat offender would have to pay $140 and so on.

Government advice: If an individual steps out of their home or gathers in public for any reason other than those specified, the police may ask them to go home, leave an area or disperse. Parents should ensure children follow the rules.

Officers can escort people home or arrest where it is deemed necessary. The police will act with discretion and common sense in applying these measures.

For more information, click here.

France

By Ross Cullen

Arrest: Yes. On non-compliance or where they deem it necessary, or for a fourth offence in 30 days.

Fine: Yes. For first offence it's $145 and $200 for the second, if within 15 days of the first offence. Four offences within a 30-day period can lead to six months in jail, plus a $4,100 fine.

Government advice: People are allowed out for the following reasons: if one cannot work from home, a doctor's appointment, to look after vulnerable relatives, to pick up groceries or medicine from a pharmacy. An hour-long outdoor exercise is allowed but no more than a kilometer from home.

Every time someone leaves the house it is obligatory to carry a signed government document stating where one is going and why. The police have carried out 5.8 million checks across France since 17 March, with 359,000 fines being issued for breaking lockdown conditions.

For more information, click here.

Germany

By Ira Spitzer

Arrest: Yes. In some cases determined at the state level.

Fine: Yes. Each region in Germany has its own fines for violating local rules. For instance, in the state of North Rhine Westphalia, a person taking part in a public group meeting of more than two people not belonging to the same household can be fined $219. A picnic in a public park can lead to a $274 penalty.

Government advice: Citizens have been urged to minimize contact with people outside their households. In public, wherever possible, a distance of at least 1.5 meters should be maintained.

Switzerland

By Julia Lyubova

Arrest: No. Switzerland is not currently under a total lockdown. However, the government has issued restrictions on gatherings of more than five people and asked everyone to keep two meters from each other.

Fine: A penalty of $102 can be levied if people are seen in public less than two meters from each other or in large groups.

Government advice:  The general public has been advised to stay inside, especially the sick and people aged 65 or older. Trips to supermarkets and pharmacies are allowed.

For more information, click here.

Hungary

Isobel Ewing

Arrest: Yes. If rules are not adhered to or where deemed necessary.

Fine: Yes. Around $148.

Government advice: People may only leave their home for a "substantial reason," although what constitutes that is quite broad – from grocery shopping and going to church, to getting a manicure or repairing a bicycle.

In public places, a compulsory 1.5-meter distance must be kept from others even on public transport. Entry denied to senior citizens aged 65 or more at grocery stores between 9am and 12pm.

For more information, click here.

The Netherlands

By Stefan de Vries

Arrest: No. In general, police will not arrest anyone, unless there is a serious crime. People threatening police, health workers, shop staff etc. will be arrested and subjected to summary justice including prison sentences.

Fine: Yes. A fine of $426 if people fail to listen to advice on maintaining minimum distance. Local municipalities can decide to adopt stricter rules and fines, if needed. 

Government advice: Members of the public are urged to keep apart 1.5 meters in communal spaces unless they are part of the same family or accompanied by children under 12 years of age.