[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Following Italy, Spain, which has been severely affected by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Europe, has decided to extend the national state of emergency until April 12.
According to major foreign media on the 26th (local time), the Spanish Parliament passed the government's proposal to extend the national state of emergency with 321 votes in favor and 28 abstentions.
Accordingly, the national state of emergency will be extended for three weeks until April 12. Previously, the Spanish government had declared a national state of emergency for 15 days starting from the 14th.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said, "Extending the national state of emergency is not an easy decision," but added, "I am convinced that the only effective way to respond to the virus is social distancing."
As of the previous day, Spain's COVID-19 death toll reached 3,434, surpassing China’s 3,281. The number of confirmed cases has increased tenfold since the 14th, reaching 47,610.
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