Spain steps up anti-coronavirus plan to 'avoid Italian scenario'

Teachers at a primary school work in a classroom without children, following the Basque regional government's decision to close schools to control coronavirus, in Labastida, Spain, March 10, 2020. REUTERS/Vincent West

MADRID (Reuters) - Spain shut down schools in several regions, suspended flights from Italy and closed the lower house of parliament for at least a week after a lawmaker tested positive for the coronavirus, in the hope of stemming a growing outbreak.

The government recommended avoiding travel both within and outside Spain and banned indoor gatherings of more than 1,000 people in the regions most affected by the virus - Madrid, the Rioja wine-growing region and two areas in the northern Basque Country.