MADRID, March 15 (Xinhua) -- The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 rose to 6,821 by 13:30 on Sunday, according to the Spanish Ministry of Health, Consumer Services and Social Services.
The Health Ministry also confirmed that 208 people have died as the result of the virus, while 517 have recovered.
The capital city of Madrid continues to have more cases than anywhere else in Spain, with 2,940 cases, followed by 715 cases in the Catalan region in northeast Spain and 630 in the Basque Region in the north of the country.
The figures come as the 15-day State of Alarm confirmed by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Saturday comes into effect. During the period, severe restrictions on travel are imposed throughout the country, bars and restaurants are closed and only pharmacies, food stores and shops offering "essential" goods or services are allowed to open.
It was confirmed on Saturday that Sanchez's wife Begona Gomez has tested positive for the virus, and both Gomez and her husband are following the recommended preventive measures.
The Spanish government launched a campaign called "Este Virus Lo Paramos Unidos" (We will stop this virus united together) aimed at further raising awareness over the virus.
Police in Madrid are also using drones with loudspeakers telling people to remain indoors, while parks and beaches across the country have been closed to public.
