Coronavirus Outbreak: Spain cabinet, royals tested after Equality Minister infected

Spain's cabinet and royal family underwent coronavirus testing on Thursday after a minister tested positive and was quarantined with her partner, second deputy prime minister. Equality Minister Irene Montero's positive test coincided with infections nationwide jumping to 2,968 cases by 1200 GMT, from 2,140 on Wednesday evening, and deaths leaping to 84 from 48 within same timeframe.

Writing on Twitter, Montero, 32, said she h tested positive late Wednesday, three days after appearing at a mass march of some 120,000 people through Mrid for International Women's Day. She and her partner Pablo Iglesias went into quarantine, an official statement said. Government ministers all underwent testing on Thursday, it ded.

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Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were also tested for virus after taking part in an event with minister several days ago, palace told AFP. A special cabinet meeting to discuss an emergency plan to respond to crisis went ahe and was attended by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and 14 or ministers.

Later on Thursday, Sanchez gave a televised press conference without any journalists present, answering questions posed via WhatsApp. Spain has seen number of infections spiral since start of week, becoming one of worst-hit countries in Europe. Mrid has borne brunt of crisis, clocking up 1,388 infections and 38 deaths by Thursday morning.

"To beat virus as quickly as possible, responsibility and social discipline is essential. This requires big changes in our habits," said Sanchez who will conduct all future meetings by video conference. Sanchez said government h agreed on a raft of ecomic measures including a tax moratorium for affected companies as well as funding for worst-hit sectors, such as tourism -- which accounts for 12 percent of Spain's GDP.

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In total, some 4.2 billion euros ($4.7 billion) would be unblocked, including nearly 3.0 billion for regional health authorities, he said, with tax deferrals and delayed payments amounting to some 14 billion euros. His remarks came after yet ar dire session for Spain's benchmark Ibex-35 which plunged more than 14 percent at close, worst drop on record .

Montero is t only politician to have tested positive with several members of far-right Vox also infected along with an MP from Conservative opposition People's Party. All parliamentary sessions were suspended on Tuesday after Vox said its deputy leer h come down with virus.

Coronavirus In Spain

LaLiga 2019-20 season might also get suspended following Coronavirus outbreak around world. As reported by El Chiringuito TV, Real Mrid football and basketball players have been put in quarantine after one of team's basketball players has been tested positive for dely virus. Real Mrid avoided training on Thursday following news.

It so happens that football and basketball teams use same provisions in Valdebebas and thus, precautions are been taken. Real Mrid have decided to keep all ir players in quarantine until furr tice.

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(with PTI inputs)