Spain adopts new measures as coronavirus cases surge

OVIEDO, Spain

With over 1,600 confirmed cases and 35 deaths as of Tuesday afternoon, the Spanish government announced new measures aimed at stifling the rapid spread of new coronavirus.

On Tuesday, the government announced it would cancel all direct flights to and from Italy beginning at midnight local time (2300GMT). The measure will remain in effect for at least two weeks.

Madrid, parts of the Basque Country and the wine-producing region of La Rioja have become hot-spots for viral reproduction. Starting Wednesday, all public schools and universities will shut their doors in those regions, where public gatherings of over 1,000