26 March 2020, Kathmandu
Spain’s death toll from the coronavirus has surpassed that of China’s, becoming the second highest in the world.
The number of deaths in Spain has soared to 3,434 after 738 people died in 24 hours on Wednesday.
By comparison, China has officially reported 3,285 deaths, while Italy – the worst hit country – has 6,820.
Spain’s rate of infection has increased by a fifth and almost 47,610 people have been infected with the coronavirus.
Madrid is the country’s worst affected region but Catalonia in the north-east has seen a rapid increase in cases.
Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo has tested positive for the virus, said the government. Meanwhile, MPs are preparing to vote on extending the country’s state of emergency for another two weeks until 11 April.
Globally there are 467,594 cases of the virus, with more than 21,180 deaths and more than 113,226 people having recovered, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
(With inputs from Agencies)
