The new figures raise Spain's number of COVID-19 infections to 7,753 - and its death toll to 288 - after the government imposed a near-total nationwide lockdown, banning people from leaving home except to go to work, get medical care or buy food.

Spaniards hunkered down in silent cities with children's playgrounds blocked off with police tape, after the government imposed sudden, severe restrictions on public life.
Spain, the second-worst affected European country after Italy, on Saturday ordered its 47 million citizens to stay indoors except for necessary outings such as buying food and medicine. Social gatherings are banned.Among the high-profile figures to test positive were the prime minister's wife, two Cabinet ministers and five players on top-flight soccer club Valencia.The sudden Spanish lockdown, along with similarly abrupt moves to curtail public life in France, have astonished Western Europe this weekend, as countries follow Italy in imposing restrictions unseen in peacetime.

Public places from city streets to beaches across Spain were deserted, with a strengthened presence of police, many wearing latex gloves and facemasks, ensuring people complied with the emergency measures.All that could be heard on the empty streets of Madrid was the sound of families behind shuttered windows. People played video games, watched TV and sat out on balconies.All major newspapers carried a wrapper emblazoned with a government-promoted slogan "Together we'll stop this virus". Newspapers reported that police could issue on-the-spot fines of hundreds of euros for those who fail to follow the rules.

Strait Times