The number of coronavirus cases in Spain reached 88 000, outstripping China. More then 7 700 people died and 16 780 - recovered.

Spain joins Italy and the US with over 85 000 infections.

The news came as Spain put into effect tighter lockdown measures approved by the government. Announced over the weekend by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in the latest attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus, they were approved at an extraordinary cabinet meeting on Sunday.

In Italy there was some encouraging news as the daily death toll - at 756 on Sunday - fell for the third day running.

“These are big changes, in order of 10-15% per day, and are reflecting the fact that the health system is answering back and of the efficacy of the measures taken”, - said pulmonologist and government adviser Luca Richeldi.

Meanwhile in the UK a health chief in England warned that it could be six months before life returns to normal.