Medical workers put on protective suits at a hospital in Barcelona, Spain, March 20, 2020. Spain has reported over 1,000 deaths of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, the Spanish Ministry for Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Services confirmed on Friday. According to the ministry, 1,002 people have now lost their lives from COVID-19, in comparison with the 767 deaths a day ago. (Photo by Francisco Avia/Xinhua)
MADRID, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Spain has reported over 1,000 deaths of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, the Spanish Ministry for Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Services confirmed on Friday.
According to the ministry, 1,002 people have now lost their lives from COVID-19, in comparison with the 767 deaths a day ago.
Meanwhile, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is approaching the 20,000 mark, with 19,980 cases confirmed by midday Friday -- an increase of 2,833 cases from Thursday.
The number of people who have now recovered from COVID-19 has climbed to 1,588, up from Thursday's figure of 1,107.
Spain, which has been in virtual lockdown following the declaration of a State of Alarm on Saturday night, so far recorded the second most cases among European countries after Italy.
Health Minister Salvador Illa said Thursday that the country is approaching the peak in the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19.
