Madrid, March 29: Spain confirmed another 838 deaths in 24 hours from coronavirus on Sunday, a new daily record bringing the total number of deaths to 6,528, according to health ministry figures.

The number of confirmed cases in Spain has now reached 78,797 -- after the one-day increase of 9.1 percent -- as the country battles the world's second most deadly outbreak after Italy. Except for a brief lull recorded on Thursday, Spain's death toll has been rising daily. Australia Bars Eviction of Tenants for 6 Months Amid COVID-19 Spread, Restricts Gathering of People to 2 at a Time; Here Are Other Announcements.

However, officials have pointed to a slower growth rate for both deaths and confirmed cases and expressed hope that the peak of the outbreak was approaching. Spain also reported Sunday that 14,709 people had been cured of COVID-19, a rise of 19.7 percent in 24 hours.

Like Italy, Spain on Saturday tightened measures to contain the outbreak, ordering a halt to all "non-essential" activities. "All workers in non-essential economic activities must stay at home for two weeks," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said. Catch Live News Update of Coronavirus.

The health, food and energy sectors are among areas considered to be essential. An emergency cabinet meeting on Sunday was to decide on the details of the new measure. Currently, people in Spain are authorised to leave home for work if remote work is not possible, to buy food, get medical care or briefly walk their dog.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 29, 2020 04:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).