The case of nCoV in Spain spiked to 1,204, of which 28 died, forcing the government to take stronger measures such as school closures.

Spanish Health Minister Salvador Illa said today that the number of nCoV infections in the country had skyrocketed, from 589 cases on March 8 to 1,204 cases on March 9. Of the cases, 28 died and 74 were in intensive care.

Illa also pointed out some areas at high risk of community infection, including Madrid and the cities of Vitoria and Labastida in Basque. In these areas, additional measures will be taken, including closing all schools, suspending all extracurricular activities. This measure is effective for 15 days, starting from 11/3.

"When possible, we want people in these areas to work from home, flexible companies on working hours, old people to stay home and people with chronic or serious illnesses to limit. activities outside. In general people should avoid unnecessary travel, "Illa added.

The Ministry of Health and the regional government of Madrid met yesterday to find out why the number of cases surged. A government official said Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez planned to introduce measures at a cabinet meeting today.

"We want this plan to be effective and to be adjusted to the severity of the problem," Sanchez said at an event in Madrid. "Existing information shows that in our country, the crisis will have a negative impact as to what will happen in the world."

Covid-19 started in Wuhan in December 2019 and has appeared in 115 countries and territories. The disease has infected more than 114,000 people, more than 4,000 people died, mainly in mainland China. Italy is currently the largest epidemic region in Europe with more than 9,000 cases, of which more than 400 have died. Some other European countries are also recording rapidly rising cases such as France and Germany.