Due to the worsening Covid-19 situation in the United Kingdom and France and each country entering a respective lockdown period, Australian beauty retailer Lovisa will be shutting all 64 stores in both areas until they are permitted to open once more.

All 40 stores in the UK will be shut until at least December 2, though the remaining 2 stores in Scotland will stay open, and all 24 stores in France will be shut temporarily until at least December 1.

Covid-19 cases in France totaled 1.3 million last week, prompting the Government to announce its second lockdown, while the UK’s figures hit just over 1 million.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was “truly, truly sorry” for the impact the lockdown would have on businesses.

“Christmas is going to be different this year, perhaps very different, but it’s my sincere hope and belief that by taking tough action now we can allow families across the country to be together,” Johnson said.

Lovisa said, however, that its stores in Melbourne had reopened and are back serving customers.