Lockdown imposed in Britain

Tribute to front-line staff

Spain paid tribute on Monday to front-line staff battling the disease that had infected nearly 4,000 health workers. Health Minister Salvador Illa said Monday at a news conference that the country's health service is "demonstrating a great capacity to respond in an exceptional situation", but he warned that the epidemic could reach its peak in Spain in the coming days.

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said on Monday that a virtual lockdown imposed to slow the spread of the coronavirus could last several more weeks, and sanctions against those who break the rules would be tougher.

"Many French people would like to return to normalcy, but it will not (happen) for tomorrow," he told French television TF1 news.

He said that open-air markets in France would be closed starting on Tuesday. People would be allowed to go out for a walk with their children or to exercise once a day for no more than one hour.

As of Monday, France has reported 19,856 cases of coronavirus infection and 860 deaths, Health Minister Olivier Veran said.