Madrid, March 24 (RHC)-- In Europe, Italy’s death toll has topped 6,000, with nearly 64,000 confirmed cases, as the country remains in near total lockdown.  In a slight glimmer of hope, Italy recorded a lower daily increase of cases for the second day in a row Monday.

Spain continues to be hit hard by the pandemic, recording over 460 deaths Monday -- the biggest daily number so far.  Officials say nearly 4,000 health workers have been infected with the coronavirus in Spain, amounting to more than one in 10 of all confirmed cases.  Spain’s defense minister said soldiers called in to help with the outbreak have reported finding older people “dead and abandoned” in nursing homes.

France reported a surge of 186 coronavirus deaths Monday, raising the death toll to 860. People in France are under strict lockdown orders and are required to show paperwork when outside of their homes indicating the purpose of their outing.

In Britain, Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered people to leave their homes only for food or other essential needs and is restricting public gatherings to no more than two people.  Police will enforce the measures with fines and by breaking up larger gatherings.