A medical worker observes installation of beds for COVID-19 patients at a sports hall in Barcelona, Spain, April 13, 2020.(Vall d'Hebron Hospital/Handout via Xinhua)

MADRID, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish Health Ministry on Saturday confirmed that over 20,000 people in the country have lost their lives because of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.The daily information published by the ministry showed that 565 people died in the 24-hour period until 21:00 hours local time on Friday, bringing the death toll to 20,043.The same period saw 4,499 new cases, pushing the total infections to 191,726, while 74,662 patients have recovered, 3,166 more than the previous 24-hour period.