MADRID – Spain’s death toll from the coronavirus has surpassed the official figure from China, becoming the second highest in the world.
The number of deaths rose by 738 in 24 hours – a daily record – to 3,434, higher than the 683 announced in Italy.
By comparison, China has officially reported 3,285 deaths, while Italy – the worst affected country – has 6,820.
Spain’s rate of infection has increased by a fifth and almost 27,000 people are being treated in hospital.
Madrid is the country’s worst affected region but Catalonia in the northeast has seen a rapid increase in cases.
Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo has tested positive for the virus, the government says. She was admitted to hospital on Sunday with respiratory symptoms.
Members of Parliament (MPs) are to vote on extending the country’s state of emergency for another two weeks until April 11. Under the rules, people are banned from leaving home except for buying essential supplies and medicines, or for work. (BBC)
