Italy's national health institute in a study concluded that coronavirus was already present in two cities in northern Italy in December two months before the first COVID-19 case was officially reported.

Waste water study finds coronavirus was already in Italy in December

The World Health Organization said today that the coronavirus has "not become less pathogenic, it is not the case at all". Watch Video: "We need to be exceptionally careful not to create a sense that, all of a sudden, the virus, by its own volition, has now decided to be less pathogenic," WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan said at a virtual briefing.

Coronavirus epidemic hasn't become less pathogenic, warns WHO

Italy on Monday reported 566 new deaths due to coronavirus taking the total death toll over 20,000. Also Read: Spain's coronavirus death toll falls to 517 in 24 hours The country, however, registered a drop in patients in the intensive care unit from 4,068 on April 3 to 3,260 on April 13, showing a general trend towards improvement in combating the virus.

COVID-19: Italy records 566 new deaths as toll crosses 20,000

Coronavirus: Why art lovers are rushing to Uffizi's Facebook page in Italy