Spain’s New Coronavirus Cases Drop to Lowest in 3 1/2 Weeks

(Bloomberg) --

Spain reported the lowest number of new coronavirus cases in 3 1/2 weeks as the government comes under pressure to relax some of the measures brought in to slow the outbreak.

There were 3,045 new infections in the past 24 hours, taking the total to 172,541, according to Health Ministry data. That was the smallest increase since March 20. The death toll rose by 567 to 18,056.

Spain has passed the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, Health Minister Salvador Illa said Monday after the country saw strong declines in the number of cases and deaths over the Easter holiday weekend. The government is already working on plans to start easing the lockdown and lift stringent rules on social distancing, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said last week, without specifying when this will happen.

In the meantime, Sanchez plans to ask parliament to extend the current state of emergency, which is currently set to last through April 25. Under the existing rules, individuals are only allowed outside their homes on their own and in specific circumstances. The government is coming under increased pressure to allow children to go outside after all schools were closed more than a month ago.

The clampdown on economic activity has been less severe than the social restrictions, though it has wreaked havoc on key service industries. While some essential activities have been allowed to continue since the start of the lockdown on March 14, the majority of businesses are at a standstill, including hotels, restaurants and most retail stores. Some other non-essential industries and major construction projects have been allowed to remain partially active during the lockdown.

Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo announced Tuesday that she has recovered from the virus after the 62-year-old was hospitalized in late March. Equality Minister Irene Montero also tested positive for the virus.

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.