Spain's death toll surpasses 1,000

(Patria) – The death toll in Spain surpassed 1,000 on Friday, while the total number of infected people is now 20,000, authorities there confirmed.

The coronavirus epidemic is putting the Spanish healthcare system under enormous pressure, as around 1,100 of the most severe cases, fighting for their lives, have already been admitted to intensive care.

- The fact is that there will be more deaths among risk groups, claims Fernando Simon, director of the Spanish Center for Health Emergency Coordination, adding that they are trying their best to achieve a higher survival rate, but 'in some cases, this cannot be guaranteed'.

In Europe, only Italy records a higher number of infected and deceased cases than Spain.

Spain has been in lockdown for a week. People are only allowed to leave their homes if they cannot work from home, or to buy food and help vulnerable individuals. Police across the country are checking compliance with virus containment measures.