Spain has followed Italy and imposed a near-total nationwide lockdown to fight the spread of coronavirus by banning people from leaving home except to go to work, get medical care or buy food. <br />'' <br />'' Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the restrictions following a huge spike in the number of infections in the nation. They are among the measures introduced as part of a 15-day state of emergency officially declared by the Spanish government yesterday.<br />'' <br />'' Spain confirmed more than 1,500 new cases of coronavirus since Friday evening, raising its total to 5,753 cases, the second-highest number in Europe after Italy. The disease has so far claimed 183 lives in Spain.<br />'' <br />'' Begona Gomez, the wife of Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. A government statement said that the duo is at their official residence following the new measures introduced by the health authorities. <br />''