Spain is close to reversing its coronavirus curve​, prime minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Thursday.

Spain has endured the most positive cases of Covid-19 in Europe with, as of Thursday afternoon, 152,446 confirmed cases, according to Johns Hopkins University. Italy stands at more than 139,000.

Only Italy (17,669) has suffered more fatalities from the crisis than Spain (15,238) – but Sanchez has been encouraged by the latest data.

In the last 24 hours, 683 have died from the virus in Spain, a decrease of 74 from the previous day.

Sanchez saide believes Spain is close to surpassing the worst phase of the pandemic, vowing to lead the country to “total victory” over the virus.

“The fire starts to come under control,” the PSOE leader announced in Madrid to a near-empty parliament. ”We have reached the peak and now the de-escalation begins.

“The climb has been difficult, as the descent will also be.”

Spain has been in lockdown since 15 March but, despite a decline in fatalities, Sanchez asked parliament to extend the quarantine until 26 April.

With the potential for severe economic ramifications due to widespread lockdowns in Europe, the European Commission is continuing its efforts to co-ordinate a possible “roadmap” to ease measures.

Pedro Sanchez has announced Spain is close to reversing coronavirus curve (POOL/AFP)

Sanchez has also called for unity in Europe, warning against cuts and austerity.

“The EU is in danger if there is no solidarity,” Sanchez claimed. “This scenario requires strength. Cuts and austerity are not the way forward.”

But despite Austria, Czech Republic and Denmark edging towards becoming the first European countries to relax lockdown measures, EU leaders are still far from agreeing.

Lengthy negotiations lasted from Tuesday to Wednesday between EU leaders but an agreement over a economic support package is still to be agreed.