Spanish applaud medical staff battling virus

People in Spain staged a show of support for the country's doctors and nurses late Saturday to thank them for their efforts to protect the population from the coronavirus.

Residents of apartment blocks in Madrid and Barcelona came out onto their balconies and applauded. Some let off fireworks.

The tribute came in response to calls on social media for people to express their appreciation to Spain's medical professionals.

It followed Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's nationally televised address where he detailed a battery of exceptional measures to combat the spread of the virus.

All schools and universities have been closed, along with restaurants, bars, hotels and other non-essential retail businesses.

The number of infections has climbed past 5,700 in Spain, with half of them reported in the capital, Madrid.

That represents a national increase of over 1,500 in 24 hours and makes Spain the country with the fifth-highest number of cases.

The country reported 136 deaths on Saturday, up from 120 the previous day.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms.

For some, it can cause more severe illness, especially in older adults and people with existing health problems.