Spain extends lockdown by two weeks to May 9

MADRID: Spain is extending a nationwide lockdown to stem the spread of the coronavirus, signalling that Europe's worst-affected countries remain in the pandemic's grip.

Spain became the second European country after Italy to report more than 20,000 deaths linked to the virus after authorities reported another 565 victims on Saturday. While officials say the outbreak is cresting, cumulative cases rose by 4,499 to 191,726. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he would ask lawmakers to extend the lockdown until May 9 rather than lift it on April 25.

“Spain has contained the brutal attack of the pandemic,” Sanchez said in a nationally televised speech. “The gains aren't enough yet, and they are fragile.”


Italy's daily death toll declined to 482, the lowest since April 12. Europe's hardest-hit country last week extended its lockdown until May 3, even though there are signs that new cases are peaking.