The latest figures from the Spanish Health Ministry put the number of coronavirus infections in Spain at 33,089

The latest figures from the Spanish Health Ministry put the number of coronavirus infections in Spain at 33,089, with 2,355 patients in intensive care and 2,182 dead.

The number of fatalities rose by 462, a spike of 26.8%, making Monday the deadliest day since the coronavirus epidemic broke out here.

3,355 patients with the Covid-19 disease have recovered and have been released from hospital since the crisis hit the country.

Fernando Simón, the director of the Health Ministry’s Coordination Center for Health Alerts, revealed that the total number of cases in Spain had risen by 16% since Sunday.

He said “The peak [of infections] is probably going to be reached this week,” warning “The coming days are going to be crucial.”

Simón said that the percentage of patients in intensive care is gradually falling: “It has gone from 15% to 13% in recent days, small reductions that give a certain amount of hope.”

The health expert also said that, based on nearly 40% of coronavirus fatalities, 87% were over the age of 70, and 7.8% between the age of 60 and 69.

“There has not been a single death among children under 10 and only one between the ages of 0 and 19.”

Numerous Spanish politicians have already tested positive for the coronavirus, including Equality Minister Irene Montero of Unidas Podemos.

Spanish opera singer Plácido Domingo also announced that he has tested positive.

Regional governments have begun receiving 640,000 new test kits that promise to deliver faster results and provide a more accurate picture of the true spread of the pandemic.

The tests will be given to health workers and the elderly living in residences and care homes first.

The Spanish government wants to extend the state of alarm for a further 15 days, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has informed regional leaders of the intention.

He needs the approval of Spain’s lower house of parliament to do so, they meet tomorrow.