The Spanish authorities announced on Sunday that the death toll from the coronavirus has increased by 838 to 6,528. Never before have so many deaths been recorded in Spain in 24 hours.
Only Italy has more deaths worldwide. With 10,023 confirmed deaths, Italy is the hardest hit country in Europe, followed by Spain.
The number of confirmed infections in Spain also increased again, from 72,248 to 78,797. Only the United States (124,686), Italy (92,472) and China (82,061) have more, although figures in China are barely increasing.
Spain has been in a severe lockdown for over two weeks and last week extended the state of emergency by two weeks. The government plans to step up measures further.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez repeated on Saturday evening in a speech on television that all people with non-essential professions should stay at home until April 9. He promised that the salaries would continue to be paid during that period.
Spain closed all schools, restaurants and shops that do not sell primary food on March 14. There was also an urgent appeal to people to stay at home as much as possible. The police and security service ensure that the measures are observed.
Also record number of deaths in Belgium
On Sunday, Belgium also announced the highest number of deaths in 24 hours since the outbreak of the virus. In the past 24 hours, 78 patients died from the coronavirus. The total number of deaths in Belgium now stands at 431.
The number of registered infections increased by 1,702 to 10,836. A total of 4,138 COVID-19 patients are in Belgian hospitals, of which 867 are in intensive care.
The number of people who were allowed to leave the hospital is also increasing in Belgium. On Sunday there were 296, a day earlier 204.
The coronavirus in short
- The coronavirus mainly spreads from person to person via sneezing and cough drops. The chance of becoming infected through surfaces such as door handles is small. This chance decreases if you wash your hands often.
- You can considerably reduce the chance of spreading by keeping at least 1.5 meters away from others.
- An infected person infects two to three others on average. Precautions are necessary to contain this.
- The vast majority of patients have mild (flu-like) complaints. Almost all deaths involve the elderly or other vulnerable persons, such as heart, lung or diabetes patients. If everyone complies with the measures, this reduces their risks.
- Read here what precautions you should take.
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