Spain on Tuesday decided to suspend all direct flights from Italy for two weeks, starting March 11, in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, said the government's official gazette.

As of Tuesday, Spain has reported 35 deaths and 1,648 confirmed coronavirus, making it one of Europe's worst-hit countries. The Spanish capital, Madrid, has reported 782 confirmed cases so far.

Apart from suspending flights, Spain has shut down schools in several regions, closed the lower house of the parliament for at least a week after a lawmaker tested positive for the coronavirus, hoping to stem a growing outbreak.

Italy, a country witnessing the worst of Europe's COVID-19 outbreak, has recorded more than 9,000 coronavirus infections and at least 463 deaths. The Italian government has extended the country-wide emergency measures, including travel restrictions and ban on public gatherings.