The Spanish capital, Madrid, is now on partial lockdown in an effort to curb the violent spread of coronavirus in Europe.

According to the World Health Organization, confirmed cases in Spain surged to 7,753 with 288 deaths.

Italy, on the other hand, recorded over 24,000 cases and more than 1,800 deaths.

Around 47 million Spanish residents are banned to leave their homes, except for those who will go to work, to buy food, to the hospital, or to care for an elderly or child.

The deeply Catholic country celebrates Mass on TV or via social media, while restaurants and bars have been closed.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Saturday that cultural sites such as the Prado Museum and Royal Palace in Madrid will be shut down.

On that same day, an announcement was made by the Spanish government that the prime minister’s wife, Maria Begona Gomez Fernandez tested positive for the virus.

The statement added that the couple are both doing well, and follows a preventative measure at their official residence, La Moncloa Palace in Madrid.

A police officer on patrol told interviewers, “most Spanish are compliant” to the imposed restriction.

They are however, “taking far too much time to walk the dog or shop for food” in an attempt to stay outside longer.

Very few people still walk the empty street in Madrid, but buzzing drones meet them overhead, telling them to “Go home!”

The authorities impose a $100 fine to keep people away from the streets, but officers admit, “fines won’t solve this.”

“We all have to do this in solidarity, knowing that everyone is staying at home,” he added.

The 15-day state of emergency was declared a week after announcing school closures, with more measures expected to follow.

Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said in an interview that it is likely for Spain to close its borders.