29 new cases of coronavirus bring total in Catalonia to 78

29 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Catalonia on Sunday, bringing the total figure to 78. This represents the largest leap in diagnoses since the first case of the disease was confirmed in Catalonia on February 25.

Five of those are in serious condition, according to the Catalan Health Department.

On Friday evening authorities announced the first death in Catalonia, an 87-year-old woman with pre-existing health conditions who had been diagnosed the day prior. At the time of the announcement, authorities had not yet been able to establish how she contracted the virus, stressing that she had not traveled to any high-risk zones. 

Health secretary Joan Guix also stated that slightly over 100 doctors in Catalonia are in isolation after having been in close contact with people with the virus. 

Saturday morning saw the Barcelona marathon postponed, while food and drinks fair Alimentària has also been rescheduled for September.