Patients start to fill Madrid field hospital

Emergency services at the new IFEMA field hospital in Madrid participated in the daily applause, paying tribute to those on the front line in the battle against the coronavirus.

The enormous field hospital, created in just a few weeks, is now taking in a constant stream of patients in the bid to relieve the strain on hospitals.

Spanish authorities said at least six of the country's 17 regions were at their limit of intensive care unit beds and further three were close to hitting their maximum.

Meanwhile members from the Military Emergency Unit wiped-down and sprayed disinfectant at The Piedad Bernarda Monastery in Madrid.

Workers also disinfected surfaces at Santa Justa railway station in Seville.

More than 7,300 people have died of the virus in Spain.

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.