The Spanish government has nationalised all of its hospitals and healthcare providers in the country in its latest move to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

The ministry of health in Pedro Sánchez’s government on Monday announced that it would put all of Spain’s private health providers and their facilities into public control as the spread of COVID-19 continues to grip the country.

Illa also said that fourth-year medical students in Spain would be asked to help the country’s health service, Politico reported, while companies capable of producing medical equipment should get in touch with the government.

Spain is one of the worst-affected countries outside of China and its government has taken a number of extraordinary steps in an attempt to combat the spread of coronavirus.

The government last week declared a state of national emergency, closing schools and public spaces and telling citizens that they can only leave the house to go to work or buy essentials like food and medicine.

“The government of Spain will protect all its citizens and will guarantee the right life conditions to slow the pandemic with as little inconvenience as possible,” Sanchez said.

Madrid — Spain’s capital — has also closed restaurants, bars, and most shops — except for supermarkets and pharmacies. Authorities are using drones to monitor the movements of its citizens.

There were 9,191 confirmed cases of the virus in Spain as of Monday, with 309 deaths linked to it.

SOURCE: The Guardian