Spain overtook Italy for the first time for the number of confirmed coronavirus cases, but the overnight death toll fell from the previousday, providing a small glimmer of hope.
With a total of over 125,000 confirmed cases, Spain is now second in the number of infections only to the United States (over 280,000), which has a population some seven times larger. Spain’s total death toll now stands around 12,000, second only to Italy’s around 15,000 fatalities.
On a more hopeful note, Friday marked the first time in more than a week that the number of deaths fell from the previous day, to 932 fatalities from 950.
“The increase in the number of cases today is seven percent, which confirms the reduction trend we’ve been observing,” said Maria Jose Rallo, Spain’s health-emergency deputy head. That is down from a 20 percent increase one week ago.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has imposed one of Europe’s strictest lockdowns, leaving only employees in essential sectors such as health free to travel to and from work. Restaurants, bars and shops are shuttered, and social gatherings are banned.