ARCHIVED - Over 17,000 cases of Covid-19 in Spain by Thursday lunchtime

A rise of over 3,431 cases over the last 24 hours as the death toll rises by 169

The latest official figures produced by the Spanish government show that the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 throughout the country has risen to 17,147 with nearly 7,000 of the cases in the region of Madrid. The Region of Madrid is in crisis, with one death recorded every 16 minutes on Monday, the 88 deaths on Monday exacerbated by the influx of more than 3,000 people in one day taken into hospitals and clinics. 

At the same time, the latest data presented at lunchtime on Thursday include an increase in the number of fatalities related to the virus to 767.

The number of cases increased by around 25% in the last 24 hours.

939 are in intensive care and 1,107 have recovered fully from the virus.

One nurse has died in the Basque Country from the virus.

It is hoped that the strict confinement of members of the public to their homes throughout Spain will slow the spread of the virus, but it is not known when the effects will become clear; according to Fernando Simón, who presented the latest data. Yesterday it was stated that the virus is expected to peak around 3 weeks after the start of the containment measures and nobody is under any illusions that this is not going to be a short-term lockdown.

The spokesman also reiterated that the virus is not only attacking elderly people.

33% of the cases are those aged 65 and more, 18% of whom are aged over 75. He also stated that 3 of the dead are known to have been under the age of 65, although it is also known that the young are less vulnerable to serious attacks and their symptoms are generally milder.

He also reminded the public of the need for patience during the confinement period which has been established during the emergency, recognizing that frustration is beginning to mount and that tempers will be fraying. It is important to remember, he says, that staying at home is essential in order to make the period of confinement as short as possible for everyone and reduce the number of deaths. 

Read; Spain is about one week behind Italy in its Coronavirus progression.

The latest available data for the number of Covid-19 cases by region is as follows:

Andalucía: 1008 (23 fatalities)

Aragón: 281 (15 fatalities)

Asturias: 292 (1 fatality, 5 in intensive care, 3 cured)

Balearic Islands: 169 (2 fatalities)

Canary Islands: 220 (3 fatalities, 17 in intensive care, 8 cured)

Cantabria: 83 (1 fatality)

Castilla-La Mancha: 801 (42 fatalities)

Castilla y León: 868 (29 fatalities)

Cataluña: 2702 (55 fatalities) 

Ceuta: 1

Comunidad Valenciana 921 (24 fatalities)

Extremadura: 241 (8 fatalities)

Galicia: 453 (4 fatalities)

Madrid: 6,777 (498 fatalities)

Melilla: 23 (0 fatalities)

Murcia: 167 (0 fatalities)

Navarra: 482 (4 fatalities)

Basque Country: 1190 (53 fatalities)

La Rioja: 468 (5 fatalities)

Total:17,147

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What to do if you are in the Region of Murcia and believe you may have contracted the virus

The regional government has set up a special helpline to supply information to members of the public (900 121212), and also urges people to call the 112 emergency services line if they suspect that they may have contracted the virus rather than going straight to hospital or to a medical centre. Medical staff will be sent to your home to test for the virus.

The Region’s public hospitals have limited the number of visitors to just one per patient.

Sensible precautions

The advice being issued to members of the public by medical authorities all over the world coincides on the following points:

- Wash hands frequently with either soap and water or a sanitiser gel

- Catch coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues – and throw the tissues away immediately after use before immediately washing your hands!

- If you don’t have a tissue, use your sleeve – and wash the item of clothing used at the next opportunity

- AVOID touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

- AVOID close contact with people who are unwell

- Don´t panic!