Spain announces record 838 virus deaths in 24 hours

The number of confirmed cases in Spain has now reached 78,797 -- after an increase of 9.1 per cent in one day -- as the country battles the world's second most deadly outbreak.

Madrid: Spain says it has hit a new daily record for coronavirus deaths with 838 fatalities in the last 24 hours for a total of 6,528, the world's second-highest death count behind Italy.

Sunday's number is slightly up from Saturday when 832 people were reported to have died from the virus.

The number of infections rose by more than 6,500 from Saturday to Sunday for a new total of 78,797. The rate of that increase in infections, however, continues to decrease.

Spanish Princess Maria Teresa of Bourbon-Parma has become the first royal to pass away due to coronavirus complications.

Princess Teresa's death comes weeks after King Felipe VI of Spain tested negative for the virus.

Spain has been in lockdown for two weeks under a national state of emergency. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's Cabinet will approve on Sunday a new decree to tighten those controls and impede workers from commuting to work in all industries unrelated to health care and food production and distribution for two weeks.

(With inputs from AFP)