Spain's nightmare-like development is similar to two other hard-hit countries - China and Italy. But Spain's development is accelerating and spreading in many more regions at the same time.

Today at 14:30, 4,089 people had died in Spain, according to the John Hopkins University census, and more than a third of them have been reported in the last 48 hours.

However, Spain's Health Minister Salvador Illa believes that the latest statistics from Spain indicate a "stabilization phase".

"The top of the curve is approaching," said Illa, but added that one must wait a few more days before establishing that it is so. On Wednesday, however, Spain passed China in the number of dead, but the minister believes that the number of new infected could now be stabilized, reports CNN

Extended emergency permit

Spain has taken drastic measures to keep the infection afloat. The national emergency that prevailed for 11 days was extended today through April 12.

"I am convinced that the only effective method against the virus is social isolation," said Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, according to El País.

The national emergency means that only grocery stores, pharmacies, tobacco dealers and gas stations are open. The population of Spain is in quarantine. Anyone who moves outside, without valid reason, can be sentenced to four months' imprisonment. So far, Spanish police have arrested 926 people and one person in Tenerife has been sentenced to prison.

The fear of economic collapse

In the midst of the crisis, worries for the future also increase. Spain is one of the world's largest tourist countries. But now the industry is completely still. Beaches are closed in many places, flights are canceled and hotels are not allowed to accommodate tourists.

Today, the European Parliament voted to open EU funds to support healthcare, small businesses and labor market measures in the EU Member States. But Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is demanding a larger pool of power from the EU. Along with eight other EU countries, Spain is hoping for some form of common euro bond to raise money after the corona crisis.

"We must work on a common debt instrument to bring money into the market on the same basis and for the same benefit to all member states," states a joint letter before the summit of leaders in France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Slovenia and Luxembourg.