PARIS/MADRID — Spain and France announced sweeping emergency restrictions as the number of coronavirus infections around the world topped 150,000, with nearly 6,000 deaths.

Following Italy, which has recorded more than 1,440 deaths, and began a nationwide lockdown last week, two of the EU's biggest states imposed lockdowns on Saturday.

In Spain, people are banned from leaving home except for buying essential supplies and medicines, or for work.

With 191 deaths, Spain is Europe's worst-hit country after Italy.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's wife is among those infected.

In France, where 91 people have died, cafes, restaurants, cinemas and most shops are now shut.

Squares and streets from Milan to Madrid were deserted on Saturday as government calls to stay at home were heeded by most.

Some Italians took to singing to each other from their windows to beat the isolation, while the Vatican said Sunday that its traditional Easter week celebrations would be held without worshipers.

The country that saw the biggest increase over the last 24 hours was Italy, which recorded 175 deaths, while Iran had 97 and Spain 63.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed Europe as the "epicenter" of the pandemic.

European nations ramped up border controls, while Chile has quarantined more than 1,300 people aboard two cruise ships after an elderly Briton aboard one of them tested positive for the coronavirus. — Agencies