Spain, which was once an epicenter of the global coronavirus pandemic, has seen daily reported deaths fall in the last few days.
The Spanish Health Ministry recorded Monday's death toll at 637 — the lowest it's been in 13 days. That number has been dropping daily since Thursday's peak of 950 deaths.
Spain is the second-hardest hit country when it comes to COVID-19 cases and deaths. Its overall death toll on Monday was just over 13,000, around 3,000 less than Italy.
Spain had about 135,000 confirmed cases as of Monday, just behind the U.S. However, Spain's new reported infections are also the lowest they've been in two weeks.
As new cases and deaths drop, some Spanish authorities have considered lifting restrictions. But Urban Affairs Minister José Luis Ábalos thinks otherwise. He said Spain's entering "a new phase of the battle" and told The Associated Press: "This new phase does not mean we can let down our guard. We are assessing the measures that we will need to adopt."
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said lifting restrictions could lead to a second wave of infections. He's extended Spain's nationwide lockdown until April 26.
Additional reporting by Aritz Parra and Danica Kirka of the Associated Press.
