The Spanish government on Wednesday signed a deal for a partial lockdown across the capital Madrid which has a high rate of coronavirus infections.

Madrid accounts for more than a third of the more than 133,000 positive cases recorded in Spain over the past 14 days. Spain, like a number of other countries in Europe, is experiencing a resurgence in coronavirus cases.

Under the new restrictions, residents will be prohibited from leaving the city except on essential trips. The city's borders will also be closed to outsiders for non-necessary visits for large municipalities with high coronavirus infection rates.

Other measures include people remaining within the city for leisure activities but being permittedd to cross municipal boundaries to go to work or school, visit the doctor or go shopping.

Additionally, bars and restaurants will now close at 11 p.m. while public parks and playgrounds will also be closed. Social gatherings will now be limited to a maximum of six people.

The new restrictions are set to be implemented in a few days' time.

Health Minister Salvador Illa, who spoke to journalists at a press conference, defended the measures saying it was vital to protect the country at large by protecting Madrid.

"Madrid's health is Spain's health. Madrid is special," Illa said.

Spain has reported a total of 769,188 coronavirus cases and 31,791 deaths.

(With input from Reuters)