Barring Italy, the virus has killed more people in Spain than anywhere else, triggering a lockdown that has brought economic activity to a virtual standstill. A survey showed Spain's manufacturing sector is heading for a slump after shrinking in March at its steepest pace since 2013. A record 864 fatalities on Tuesday took the country's overall toll to 9,053 as total infections rose to 102,136, health ministry data showed. But the virus has continued to spread, overburdening the health system and straining supplies of crucial medical equipment. Health Minister Salvador Illa said seven million pieces of protective equipment would be distributed among health workers following these deliveries, bringing the total to 18 million items since the outbreak began.

Source: CBC News April 01, 2020 13:04 UTC