Madrid hospital workers describe Coronavirus challenges

Health workers in Madrid have spoken of the challenges they face in dealing with the coronavirus outbreak - as the country's Health Ministry confirmed over 800 deaths.

Speaking from Hospital 12 de Octubre, one of the most overwhelmed hospitals in the country's capital city, a porter who works there said staff simply cannot cope.

"The equipment is arriving and that's good but we need even more staff," said 36-year-old Juan.

Spain's health ministry on Saturday confirmed 832 deaths, bringing the total number of fatalities to 5,690.

Spain, along with Italy, has seen the highest death toll in the world, with more than 15,000 between them.

Video released earlier this week showed COVID-19 patients flooding the hospital's corridors and even laying on the floor.

The hospital said the patients have since been accommodated elsewhere.

"The hospital is adapting for more sick people to arrive," said Agustin Muñoz, an anatomical pathology technician working at 12 de Octubre.

Cleaning and sanitising the hospital effectively has never been more vital than now.

"We are giving our 100%, no, our 200%," said Paqui, one of the hospital cleaners.

Health authorities in Spain said Friday they were getting closer to the peak of the virus outbreak, but that even after having reached it, it would take many weeks for hospitals to feel any relief.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

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