Resplendent in colour, the Umbrian plain of Castelluccio seems to have thrown off the shackles of the coronavirus lockdown and exploded into life.

Glorious multi-coloured carpet of flowers blankets Umbrian plain

Scientists in Italy are investigating the mysterious appearance of pink glacial ice in the Alps, caused by algae that accelerate the effects of climate change.

Italian alps: Glacier turns pink due to global warming-linked algae

Marine life in the Mediterranean off Italy flourished during the coronavirus lockdown as water quality improved and species moved into spaces vacated by people and ships, the Italian coastguard has found.

The strict rules halting business and movement for two months offered an unprecedented opportunity to monitor the impact of human activity on the sea that surrounds Italy.&nbsp;

Since April, the coastguard has used water samples, underwater footage filmed by remotely operated vehicles and its own divers, and a census of unusual sightings of marine species close to heavily populated areas to monitor the sea.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-induced-disruption-in-resources-may-cause-1-million-extra-deaths-due-to-other-diseases-311086" hreflang="en">Coronavirus-induced disruption in resources may cause 1 million extra deaths due to other diseases</a>

In the Secche di Tor Paterno, a protected marine reserve 8 km (5 miles) off the coast of Rome, moray eels and colourful fish crowd a forest of gorgonians, or sea fans and corals.&nbsp;

"We were able to ascertain a significant improvement in the transparency of the waters and a significant reduction in suspended material," Lieutenant Alessandro Mino, commander of the coastguard diving unit of the Campania region, told Reuters, speaking from a boat off the coast of Lazio, near Rome.

Even before the full results of the study are published in late July, improvements have been tangible.

A pod of sperm whales was spotted in the blue waters of the Sicilian sea near the port of Milazzo and dolphins replaced container ships in ports in northwestern Liguria.

"The marine environment and marine life have regained spaces that human activity had eroded," Mino said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

However, the COVID-19 pandemic is posing new threats, with masks, gloves and hand sanitizer bottles increasingly found in the sea.

The so-called "COVID waste" is adding to marine pollution made up of microplastics - tiny particles from the breakdown of everything from shopping bags to car tyres.

Since July 2019, the coastguard has recovered 75 tonnes of plastic and 5 tonnes of abandoned plastic nets.

Coastguard spokesman Cosimo Nicastro said he was optimistic the lockdown had given people more understanding of how fragile the environment is.

"This patrimony of beauty has been given to us on loan from our parents and we must preserve it and give it to our children and future generations. It is not something that belongs to us," Nicastro said.

Marine life in the Mediterranean off Italy flourished during the coronavirus lockdown as water quality improved and species moved into spaces vacated by people and ships, the Italian coastguard has found.

Marine life in the Mediterranean off Italy flourished during the coronavirus lockdown as water quality improved and species moved into spaces vacated by people and ships, the Italian coastguard has found. The strict rules halting business and movement for two months offered an unprecedented opportunity to monitor the impact of human activity on the sea that surrounds Italy. Since April, the coastguard has used water samples, underwater footage filmed by remotely operated vehicles and its own divers, and a census of unusual sightings of marine species close to heavily populated areas to monitor the sea. Also read: Coronavirus-induced disruption in resources may cause 1 million extra deaths due to other diseases In the Secche di Tor Paterno, a protected marine reserve 8 km (5 miles) off the coast of Rome, moray eels and colourful fish crowd a forest of gorgonians, or sea fans and corals. "We were able to ascertain a significant improvement in the transparency of the waters and a significant reduction in suspended material," Lieutenant Alessandro Mino, commander of the coastguard diving unit of the Campania region, told Reuters, speaking from a boat off the coast of Lazio, near Rome. Even before the full results of the study are published in late July, improvements have been tangible. A pod of sperm whales was spotted in the blue waters of the Sicilian sea near the port of Milazzo and dolphins replaced container ships in ports in northwestern Liguria. "The marine environment and marine life have regained spaces that human activity had eroded," Mino said. However, the COVID-19 pandemic is posing new threats, with masks, gloves and hand sanitizer bottles increasingly found in the sea. The so-called "COVID waste" is adding to marine pollution made up of microplastics - tiny particles from the breakdown of everything from shopping bags to car tyres. Since July 2019, the coastguard has recovered 75 tonnes of plastic and 5 tonnes of abandoned plastic nets. Coastguard spokesman Cosimo Nicastro said he was optimistic the lockdown had given people more understanding of how fragile the environment is. "This patrimony of beauty has been given to us on loan from our parents and we must preserve it and give it to our children and future generations. It is not something that belongs to us," Nicastro said.

Mediterranean marine life flourished during lockdown: Italian coastguard

Italy on Sunday authorised charity vessel Ocean Viking to transfer 180 migrants rescued in the Mediterranean to a ship in Sicily for quarantine.

They have been on the Ocean Viking for over a week, with fights and suicide attempts on board prompting the charity to declare a state of emergency on Friday.

The Ocean Viking is now heading for the port where the migrants will be transferred to government-chartered ship the Moby Zaza for 14 days of quarantine.

The migrants include 25 children, most of whom are unaccompanied by adults, and two women, one of whom is pregnant.&nbsp;

"I can confirm that they're authorised to move to the Moby Zaza, likely tomorrow morning," Interior Ministry spokesman Dino Martirano told AFP.

The Ocean Viking, which has been in limbo in the Mediterranean south of Sicily, has been waiting for permission from Italy&nbsp;or Malta to offload the migrants at a safe port.&nbsp;

Tensions have risen in the past week with the migrants increasingly desperate to reach land. Others have become distraught at not being able to telephone their families to let them know they were safe.

The migrants, who include Pakistanis, North Africans, Eritreans, Nigerians and others, were picked up after fleeing Libya in four separate rescues by the Ocean Viking on June 25 and 30.&nbsp;

On Thursday, two migrants threw themselves into the Mediterranean, but were rescued.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP)

Italy on Sunday authorised charity vessel Ocean Viking to transfer 180 migrants rescued in the Mediterranean to a ship in Sicily for quarantine. They have been on the Ocean Viking for over a week, with fights and suicide attempts on board prompting the charity to declare a state of emergency on Friday.

Italy on Sunday authorised charity vessel Ocean Viking to transfer 180 migrants rescued in the Mediterranean to a ship in Sicily for quarantine. They have been on the Ocean Viking for over a week, with fights and suicide attempts on board prompting the charity to declare a state of emergency on Friday. The Ocean Viking is now heading for the port where the migrants will be transferred to government-chartered ship the Moby Zaza for 14 days of quarantine. The migrants include 25 children, most of whom are unaccompanied by adults, and two women, one of whom is pregnant. "I can confirm that they're authorised to move to the Moby Zaza, likely tomorrow morning," Interior Ministry spokesman Dino Martirano told AFP. The Ocean Viking, which has been in limbo in the Mediterranean south of Sicily, has been waiting for permission from Italy or Malta to offload the migrants at a safe port. Tensions have risen in the past week with the migrants increasingly desperate to reach land. Others have become distraught at not being able to telephone their families to let them know they were safe. The migrants, who include Pakistanis, North Africans, Eritreans, Nigerians and others, were picked up after fleeing Libya in four separate rescues by the Ocean Viking on June 25 and 30. On Thursday, two migrants threw themselves into the Mediterranean, but were rescued. (with inputs from AFP)

Italy to transfer migrants rescued in Mediterranean to ship for quarantine

Italy has authorised charity vessel Ocean Viking to disembark 180 migrants rescued in the Mediterranean in Sicily, ship operator SOS Mediterranee said on Sunday.

"We have received instructions from the Italian maritime authorities to disembark those on board in Porto Empedocle," a spokesman for the charity told AFP, which has a correspondent on board.

The Ocean Viking is now heading for the port where it expects to arrive by Monday.

They have been on the Ocean Viking for over a week, with fights and suicide attempts on board prompting the charity to declare a state of emergency on Friday.

Tensions have risen in the past week, as witnessed by an AFP reporter, with the migrants increasingly desperate to reach land. Others have become distraught at not being able to telephone their families to let them know they were safe.

The migrants, who include Pakistanis, North Africans, Eritreans, Nigerians and others, were picked up after fleeing Libya in four separate rescues by the Ocean Viking on June 25 and 30.&nbsp;

The migrants include 25 children, most of whom are unaccompanied by adults, and two women, one of whom is pregnant.&nbsp;

More than 100,000 migrants tried to cross the Mediterranean last year with more than 1,200 dying in the attempt, according to the International Organization for Migration.

The arrival of summer and more favourable conditions at sea may lead to an increase of attempts to cross the Mediterranean with the hope of arriving in Europe.

Italy has authorised charity vessel Ocean Viking to disembark 180 migrants rescued in the Mediterranean in Sicily, ship operator SOS Mediterranee said on Sunday.

Italy has authorised charity vessel Ocean Viking to disembark 180 migrants rescued in the Mediterranean in Sicily, ship operator SOS Mediterranee said on Sunday. "We have received instructions from the Italian maritime authorities to disembark those on board in Porto Empedocle," a spokesman for the charity told AFP, which has a correspondent on board. The Ocean Viking is now heading for the port where it expects to arrive by Monday. They have been on the Ocean Viking for over a week, with fights and suicide attempts on board prompting the charity to declare a state of emergency on Friday. Tensions have risen in the past week, as witnessed by an AFP reporter, with the migrants increasingly desperate to reach land. Others have become distraught at not being able to telephone their families to let them know they were safe. The migrants, who include Pakistanis, North Africans, Eritreans, Nigerians and others, were picked up after fleeing Libya in four separate rescues by the Ocean Viking on June 25 and 30. The migrants include 25 children, most of whom are unaccompanied by adults, and two women, one of whom is pregnant. More than 100,000 migrants tried to cross the Mediterranean last year with more than 1,200 dying in the attempt, according to the International Organization for Migration. The arrival of summer and more favourable conditions at sea may lead to an increase of attempts to cross the Mediterranean with the hope of arriving in Europe.

Italy to allow 180 migrants to disembark charity vessel Ocean Viking

Italy police on Saturday has busted a child pornography ring which circulated illicit material through an instant messaging platform, which has not been named yet.

On Saturday, the Italian police slammed opened dozens of doors with arrest warrants, after putting together intel received through various sources.

As of Saturday morning, three people have been arrested and 50 people are under investigation for participation and possession of "huge quantities of pornographic material depicting minors." The officials also added that some of the pictures were also of newborn babies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spike-in-child-pornography-consumption-in-india-during-lockdown-period-294879">Also watch:&nbsp;Spike in child pornography consumption in India during lockdown period</a>

The officials have confirmed that they found horrible nude pictures of minors, including newborns, and other "horrifying content, depicting actual sexual violence where the victims were often newborns."

It has also been stated that the circulation was going through an instant messaging application. Although the name of the application has not been confirmed, the officials have stated that the application is well-known.

The Italy police also thanked the Canadian organization, the National Child Exploitation Coordination Center, who helped the officials track down and bust this rung.

(With inputs from agencies)

Italy police on Saturday has busted a child pornography ring which circulated illicit material through an instant messaging platform, which has not been named yet.

Italy police on Saturday has busted a child pornography ring which circulated illicit material through an instant messaging platform, which has not been named yet. On Saturday, the Italian police slammed opened dozens of doors with arrest warrants, after putting together intel received through various sources. As of Saturday morning, three people have been arrested and 50 people are under investigation for participation and possession of "huge quantities of pornographic material depicting minors." The officials also added that some of the pictures were also of newborn babies. Also watch: Spike in child pornography consumption in India during lockdown period The officials have confirmed that they found horrible nude pictures of minors, including newborns, and other "horrifying content, depicting actual sexual violence where the victims were often newborns." It has also been stated that the circulation was going through an instant messaging application. Although the name of the application has not been confirmed, the officials have stated that the application is well-known. The Italy police also thanked the Canadian organization, the National Child Exploitation Coordination Center, who helped the officials track down and bust this rung. (With inputs from agencies)

Italian police bust child pornography ring; 50 people under investigation

A housecat in Italy contracted a rare rabies-like virus and began biting its owners, following which public officials in the central commune of Arezzo called for better surveillance of the feline population.

The virus related to rabies has only been identified once before in 2002 in a bat in the Caucasus region.

A new ordinance has since been given out calling for cat owners and carers of feral cat colonies to immediately report any symptoms that could point to the so-called "lyssavirus".

It is unknown how the female two-year-old cat in the Tuscan municipality contracted the virus. Last month, the cat's owners reported that their pet had suddenly become aggressive and bit three members of the family. Concerned, they took her to a veterinarian, where she also attacked the vet.&nbsp;

The cat died after being transferred to another clinic, where specialists had suspected a neurological problem. The virus was identified after part of the cat's brain was sent to a animal health institute in Padua.

Thirteen people who had handled the cat, including those bitten, have been administered an antibody treatment.

The new ordinance, in place until August 27, calls for any cats or dogs which have recently bitten people and who display suspicious symptoms such as biting, paralysis, or changes in temperament, must be put under quarantine for 10 days.

Health authorities are currently looking at whether a colony of bats living in a tree near the family's home may have been the source of the virus.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A housecat in Italy contracted a rare rabies-like virus and began biting its owners, following which public officials in the central commune of Arezzo called for better surveillance of the feline population.

A housecat in Italy contracted a rare rabies-like virus and began biting its owners, following which public officials in the central commune of Arezzo called for better surveillance of the feline population. The virus related to rabies has only been identified once before in 2002 in a bat in the Caucasus region. A new ordinance has since been given out calling for cat owners and carers of feral cat colonies to immediately report any symptoms that could point to the so-called "lyssavirus". It is unknown how the female two-year-old cat in the Tuscan municipality contracted the virus. Last month, the cat's owners reported that their pet had suddenly become aggressive and bit three members of the family. Concerned, they took her to a veterinarian, where she also attacked the vet. The cat died after being transferred to another clinic, where specialists had suspected a neurological problem. The virus was identified after part of the cat's brain was sent to a animal health institute in Padua. Thirteen people who had handled the cat, including those bitten, have been administered an antibody treatment. The new ordinance, in place until August 27, calls for any cats or dogs which have recently bitten people and who display suspicious symptoms such as biting, paralysis, or changes in temperament, must be put under quarantine for 10 days. Health authorities are currently looking at whether a colony of bats living in a tree near the family's home may have been the source of the virus.

Cat contracts rare rabies-like virus in Italy

Italian police said Wednesday they had seized a 14-tonne haul of amphetamines made by the Islamic State group in Syria, calling it the biggest seizure of such drugs in the world.

The drug, in the form of around 84 million Captagon tablets hidden inside industrial goods within containers, was worth about one billion euros ($1.12 billion), and intended to be sold on the European market "to finance terrorism," the finance police of Naples said in a statement.

"We know that the Islamic State finances its terrorist activities mainly by trafficking drugs made in Syria which in the past few years has become the world's largest producer of amphetamines," the statement said.

Police said three suspect containers had arrived at the port of Salerno, just south of Naples, containing large cylindrical paper rolls for industrial use as well as industrial machinery.&nbsp;

Cutting open the paper rolls and metal gearwheels with chainsaws, police found them filled with tablets. Video images taken by police showed pills spilling out of the rolls and wheels as they were forced opened.

"This is the&nbsp;largest seizure of amphetamines in the world," police said.

JIHAD DRUG

Captagon, a brand name, was originally for medical use but illegal versions have been dubbed "the Jihad Drug" -- after being widely used by IS fighters in combat -- the police said.

Citing the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Naples police said IS "makes extensive use of it in all territories over which it exerts influence and where it controls the drug trade".

Once the plants are established, "it is easy for IS to produce large quantities also for the world market for synthetic drugs, in order to quickly accumulate substantial funding," the statement said.

The amount of drugs seized were sufficient to satisfy the entire European market, police said, without providing a time frame.

A "consortium" of criminal groups were likely involved for the distribution of the drugs, including possibly many clans within the infamous Camorra of Naples, police said.

"The hypothesis is that during the lockdown... production and distribution of synthetic drugs in Europe has practically stopped," the statement said.&nbsp;

"Many smugglers, even in consortiums, have turned to Syria where production, however, does not seem to have slowed down."

Italian police said Wednesday they had seized a 14-tonne haul of amphetamines made by the Islamic State group in Syria, calling it the biggest seizure of such drugs in the world.

Italian police said Wednesday they had seized a 14-tonne haul of amphetamines made by the Islamic State group in Syria, calling it the biggest seizure of such drugs in the world. The drug, in the form of around 84 million Captagon tablets hidden inside industrial goods within containers, was worth about one billion euros ($1.12 billion), and intended to be sold on the European market "to finance terrorism," the finance police of Naples said in a statement. "We know that the Islamic State finances its terrorist activities mainly by trafficking drugs made in Syria which in the past few years has become the world's largest producer of amphetamines," the statement said. Police said three suspect containers had arrived at the port of Salerno, just south of Naples, containing large cylindrical paper rolls for industrial use as well as industrial machinery. Cutting open the paper rolls and metal gearwheels with chainsaws, police found them filled with tablets. Video images taken by police showed pills spilling out of the rolls and wheels as they were forced opened. "This is the largest seizure of amphetamines in the world," police said. JIHAD DRUG Captagon, a brand name, was originally for medical use but illegal versions have been dubbed "the Jihad Drug" -- after being widely used by IS fighters in combat -- the police said. Citing the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Naples police said IS "makes extensive use of it in all territories over which it exerts influence and where it controls the drug trade". Once the plants are established, "it is easy for IS to produce large quantities also for the world market for synthetic drugs, in order to quickly accumulate substantial funding," the statement said. The amount of drugs seized were sufficient to satisfy the entire European market, police said, without providing a time frame. A "consortium" of criminal groups were likely involved for the distribution of the drugs, including possibly many clans within the infamous Camorra of Naples, police said. "The hypothesis is that during the lockdown... production and distribution of synthetic drugs in Europe has practically stopped," the statement said. "Many smugglers, even in consortiums, have turned to Syria where production, however, does not seem to have slowed down."

Italy seizes IS-made drugs worth one billion euros

In Italy Army has been deployed in Mondragone after the COVID-19 outbreak was reported from the area. For days the town has been dealing with tensions between Bulgarian workers and local residents. Watch report.

Italy: Army called in virus hotspot Mondragone, 700 residents confined due to COVID-19 outbreak

Blues musicians in an Italian lakeside town came up with a novel way to please fans despite coronavirus restrictions - play from borrowed fishing boats to an audience on shore.

Floating musicians beat the coronavirus blues in Italy

Italy’s Presena glacier was recently covered with tarpaulin to slow down the catastrophic effects of global warming.

Located in In Northern Italy, Presena has lost over 1/3rd of its volume since 1993.&nbsp;The tarpaulin will protect the ice from melting quickly during the peak of summer.

This year’s short-lived (due to COVID-19) ski season ended recently, and cable cars have been put aside. The white tarps will block sun’s rays from melting the ice, or at least slow down the process tremendously.

"Continuously shrinking"

According to locals, the glacier is constantly shrinking. "This area is continuously shrinking, so we cover as much of it as possible," Davide Panizza, 34, who heads the Carosello-Tonale company that does the work told AFP.

The tarpaulin project began in 2008 when the team used to cover 30,000 square metres. Now, they cover over 100,000 square metres.

<h6><img alt="A photo taken on June 19, 2020 shows huge geotextile sheets put up on the Presena glacier (2700m-3000m) on the Val di Sole near Pellizzano in Trentino, northern Italy, in order to delay snow melting on skiing slopes." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6f18d3da-71e8-4e77-bb0a-a81b1c608f3d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_23.jpg" /> 
A photo taken on June 19, 2020 shows huge geotextile sheets put up on the Presena glacier (2700m-3000m) on the Val di Sole near Pellizzano in Trentino, northern Italy, in order to delay snow melting on skiing slopes&nbsp;| AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

According to news agency AFP, the tarp is made of "geotextile tarpaulins that reflect sunlight, maintaining a temperature lower than the external one, and thus preserving as much snow as possible”.

Situated at an altitude of 3,000 metres, the tarp is laid down every year.

The tarp is meticulously placed across the mountain, and sewed shut to prevent hot air from sneaking in. It is then covered with bags of sand to restrict movement.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/italian-glaciers-tell-the-tale-of-climate-change-lost-13rd-of-its-volume-307503/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Like snow"

To someone looking from a distance, the sheets will look just like snow.

"There are glacier cover systems similar to ours on a few Austrian glaciers, but the surface covered by the tarpaulins is much smaller," one of the company representatives told AFP.

"When we remove them in September and we see that they did their job, we feel proud,” Franco Del Pero, the 48-year-old leader of the operation said.

Tarps are made in Australia and cost $450 each, and the work takes six weeks each, for installing and removing them.

(With inputs from AFP)

Italy’s Presena glacier was recently covered with tarpaulin to slow down the catastrophic effects of global warming. Located in In Northern Italy, Presena has lost over 1/3rd of its volume since 1993.

Italy’s Presena glacier was recently covered with tarpaulin to slow down the catastrophic effects of global warming. Located in In Northern Italy, Presena has lost over 1/3rd of its volume since 1993. The tarpaulin will protect the ice from melting quickly during the peak of summer. This year’s short-lived (due to COVID-19) ski season ended recently, and cable cars have been put aside. The white tarps will block sun’s rays from melting the ice, or at least slow down the process tremendously. "Continuously shrinking" According to locals, the glacier is constantly shrinking. "This area is continuously shrinking, so we cover as much of it as possible," Davide Panizza, 34, who heads the Carosello-Tonale company that does the work told AFP. The tarpaulin project began in 2008 when the team used to cover 30,000 square metres. Now, they cover over 100,000 square metres. A photo taken on June 19, 2020 shows huge geotextile sheets put up on the Presena glacier (2700m-3000m) on the Val di Sole near Pellizzano in Trentino, northern Italy, in order to delay snow melting on skiing slopes | AFP According to news agency AFP, the tarp is made of "geotextile tarpaulins that reflect sunlight, maintaining a temperature lower than the external one, and thus preserving as much snow as possible”. Situated at an altitude of 3,000 metres, the tarp is laid down every year. The tarp is meticulously placed across the mountain, and sewed shut to prevent hot air from sneaking in. It is then covered with bags of sand to restrict movement. "Like snow" To someone looking from a distance, the sheets will look just like snow. "There are glacier cover systems similar to ours on a few Austrian glaciers, but the surface covered by the tarpaulins is much smaller," one of the company representatives told AFP. "When we remove them in September and we see that they did their job, we feel proud,” Franco Del Pero, the 48-year-old leader of the operation said. Tarps are made in Australia and cost $450 each, and the work takes six weeks each, for installing and removing them. (With inputs from AFP)

Italy's Presena glacier covered with white tarps to decelerate melting caused by climate change

Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia and the Maison Fendi on Saturday (June 20) presented a unique performance to give a positive message of rebirth through art, fashion and music after the new coronavirus pandemic.

Fashion meets orchestra in Fendi summer solstice rooftop performance

In northern Italy, the Presena glacier has lost more than one third of its volume since 1993.

Italian glaciers tell the tale of climate change; lost 1/3rd of its volume

On Saturday, Pope Francis held his first audience post-coronavirus. He granted this audience to the healthcare workers of the country, who, he believes, have been one of the strongest support pillars of the society in these tough times.

"You were one of the supporting pillars of the entire country," he told doctors and nurses from the Lombardy region gathered in the Vatican's frescoed Clementine Hall, which had not been used for months because of the crisis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-calls-for-help-to-end-libyan-civil-war-305842">Also read:&nbsp;Pope Francis calls for help to end Libyan civil war</a>

"To those of you here and to your colleagues all across Italy go my esteem and my sincere thanks, and I know very well I am interpreting everyone's sentiments," he said.

Thanking the doctors for their selfless efforts, he talked about how these frontline workers event gave their pwn phones to the coronavirus patients to let them say goodbye to their loved ones, before breathing their last breath.

He called these doctors angels for helping the society so selflessly in such tough times.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/education-is-listening-and-celebrating-life-pope-francis-says-in-video-conference-with-latin-first-ladies-304315">Also watch:&nbsp;'Education is listening and celebrating life', Pope Francis says in video conference with Latin first ladies</a>

All the attendees were wearing masks and had maintained social distance from each other.&nbsp;At the end the meeting, the Pope posed for a picture with the doctors calling it&nbsp;"the liturgy of the greeting". While bidding them farewell, the Pope greeted them from a distance as he passed down the aisle.

He has also resumed mas service, capping the maximum capacity to 50 people.

Italy is slowly returning back to the normal life, after losing almost 35,000 people, including over 170 healthcare workers, to the novel coronavirus.

On Saturday, Pope Francis held his first audience post-coronavirus. He granted this audience to the healthcare workers of the country, who, he believes, have been one of the strongest support pillars of the society in these tough times.

On Saturday, Pope Francis held his first audience post-coronavirus. He granted this audience to the healthcare workers of the country, who, he believes, have been one of the strongest support pillars of the society in these tough times. "You were one of the supporting pillars of the entire country," he told doctors and nurses from the Lombardy region gathered in the Vatican's frescoed Clementine Hall, which had not been used for months because of the crisis. Also read: Pope Francis calls for help to end Libyan civil war "To those of you here and to your colleagues all across Italy go my esteem and my sincere thanks, and I know very well I am interpreting everyone's sentiments," he said. Thanking the doctors for their selfless efforts, he talked about how these frontline workers event gave their pwn phones to the coronavirus patients to let them say goodbye to their loved ones, before breathing their last breath. He called these doctors angels for helping the society so selflessly in such tough times. Also watch: 'Education is listening and celebrating life', Pope Francis says in video conference with Latin first ladies All the attendees were wearing masks and had maintained social distance from each other. At the end the meeting, the Pope posed for a picture with the doctors calling it "the liturgy of the greeting". While bidding them farewell, the Pope greeted them from a distance as he passed down the aisle. He has also resumed mas service, capping the maximum capacity to 50 people. Italy is slowly returning back to the normal life, after losing almost 35,000 people, including over 170 healthcare workers, to the novel coronavirus.

Pope Francis thanks 'angelic' doctors in his first post-lockdown audience

Anti-racism activists poured red paint on a statue of an Italian colonial-era general and pasted over the name of a street in Rome on Friday to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States.

Early in the morning, the activists from a group calling itself the "Let's Remain Human Network" changed a street sign from Via Amba Aradam to Via George Floyd and Bilal Ben Messaud.

Amba Aradam was the location of a battle that took place in 1936 when Italian colonial forces defeated Ethiopian warriors with mustard gas, tanks, and heavy artillery.

Floyd died in Minneapolis after a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while detaining him on May 25. His death has triggered worldwide protests against racism and police brutality.

Messaud was a migrant who died last month while trying to swim ashore from a ship off the coast of Sicily.

The same group took responsibility for splashing red paint on a statue of Antonio Baldissera, a 19th century general in Italy's colonial forces in Abyssinia, now part of Ethiopia.

The group said in a post on Facebook that it was protesting against "structural racism" and that the actions were part of a campaign "to dismantle the symbols of colonialism" in Rome.

Meanwhile, the latest target of activists in Amsterdam is a statue of a top officer of the Dutch East India Company who in the 17th century founded the city that is now Indonesia's capital, Jakarta.&nbsp;

Protests calling for the removal of the statue of Jan Pieterszoon Coen and a counter-demonstration supporting it are planned for Friday evening.

Coen is honoured since the late 19th century as a colonial ruler and leading light in the Dutch East India Company trading powerhouse. But he is also reviled as the "butcher of Banda" for a bloody 1621 assault on a group of islands in order to secure a monopoly on spices grown there.

Prior to this, two protests in Amsterdam drew thousands of participants. A statue of Piet Hein, a colonial era mariner widely regarded as a hero, was daubed with red paint and the word "killer" last week.

(with inputs from agencies)

Anti-racism activists poured red paint on a statue of an Italian colonial-era general and pasted over the name of a street in Rome on Friday to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States.

Anti-racism activists poured red paint on a statue of an Italian colonial-era general and pasted over the name of a street in Rome on Friday to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States. Early in the morning, the activists from a group calling itself the "Let's Remain Human Network" changed a street sign from Via Amba Aradam to Via George Floyd and Bilal Ben Messaud. Amba Aradam was the location of a battle that took place in 1936 when Italian colonial forces defeated Ethiopian warriors with mustard gas, tanks, and heavy artillery. Floyd died in Minneapolis after a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while detaining him on May 25. His death has triggered worldwide protests against racism and police brutality. Messaud was a migrant who died last month while trying to swim ashore from a ship off the coast of Sicily. The same group took responsibility for splashing red paint on a statue of Antonio Baldissera, a 19th century general in Italy's colonial forces in Abyssinia, now part of Ethiopia. The group said in a post on Facebook that it was protesting against "structural racism" and that the actions were part of a campaign "to dismantle the symbols of colonialism" in Rome. Meanwhile, the latest target of activists in Amsterdam is a statue of a top officer of the Dutch East India Company who in the 17th century founded the city that is now Indonesia's capital, Jakarta. Protests calling for the removal of the statue of Jan Pieterszoon Coen and a counter-demonstration supporting it are planned for Friday evening. Coen is honoured since the late 19th century as a colonial ruler and leading light in the Dutch East India Company trading powerhouse. But he is also reviled as the "butcher of Banda" for a bloody 1621 assault on a group of islands in order to secure a monopoly on spices grown there. Prior to this, two protests in Amsterdam drew thousands of participants. A statue of Piet Hein, a colonial era mariner widely regarded as a hero, was daubed with red paint and the word "killer" last week. (with inputs from agencies)

'Black Lives Matter' spurs scrutiny of colonial past in Italy, The Netherlands

The violin-makers of Italy's Cremona are valiantly fighting a shrinking market and foreign competition as they seek perfection, one violin at a time. Watch report.

Italy violin-makers fear competition from China, Struggle to save art

Cinemas were allowed to reopen in Italy on Monday (June 15) as the country continues to gradually ease restrictions put in place to fight the spread of COVID-19.

Cinemas reopen in Italy as gradual lockdown easing continues

Italy on Tuesday reported 34 more novel coronavirus-related fatalities, bringing the country's death toll to 34,405

Italian PM Giuseppe Conte on handling of COVID-19 crisis

Before the coronavirus hit New Delhi, Mohammad Aamir Khan was a taxi driver making a living in the Indian capital. But after work dried up during a nearly three-month lockdown to prevent the spread of the virus, a friend suggested he take on a part-time job at perhaps the only booming business in the country - driving a private ambulance.

"Someone has to do it" - Indian taxi driver gets behind wheel of ambulance amid spiking virus cases

The chief of &nbsp;Italy's football federation (FIGC) is hopeful that the stadiums could host some fans from July if the country continues to witness a drop in coronavirus infections.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ronaldo-misses-penalty-as-juve-squeeze-into-final-with-milan-draw-305512" hreflang="en">Ronaldo misses penalty as Juve squeeze into final with Milan draw</a>

Italy's football season resumed after three months of a halt after a Coppa Italia semi-final second leg between Juventus and AC Milan was played on Friday. The Serie A will restart on June 20.&nbsp;

Currently, all matches are being played behind closed doors, without spectators.

"Yesterday, we took the last step towards dispelling any doubts about the completion of the championships," FIGC President Gabriele Gravina said in an interview with Radio Deejay on Saturday.

"I'm happy but there is still one piece missing, which is the participation of the fans and I hope they can return very quickly. I hope it will be the beginning of July -- the first week or mid-July at the latest,"

"This will mean that our country has thrown off those final restrictions and that we've come out of this particularly dark moment for our country."

Serbia has allowed their fans into the stadiums whereas Poland will allow 25 per cent capacity of stadiums for the fans from June 19. &nbsp;

The chief of Italy's football federation (FIGC) is hopeful that the stadiums could host some fans from July if the country continues to witness a drop in coronavirus infections.

The chief of Italy's football federation (FIGC) is hopeful that the stadiums could host some fans from July if the country continues to witness a drop in coronavirus infections. Also read: Ronaldo misses penalty as Juve squeeze into final with Milan draw Italy's football season resumed after three months of a halt after a Coppa Italia semi-final second leg between Juventus and AC Milan was played on Friday. The Serie A will restart on June 20. Currently, all matches are being played behind closed doors, without spectators. "Yesterday, we took the last step towards dispelling any doubts about the completion of the championships," FIGC President Gabriele Gravina said in an interview with Radio Deejay on Saturday. "I'm happy but there is still one piece missing, which is the participation of the fans and I hope they can return very quickly. I hope it will be the beginning of July -- the first week or mid-July at the latest," "This will mean that our country has thrown off those final restrictions and that we've come out of this particularly dark moment for our country." Serbia has allowed their fans into the stadiums whereas Poland will allow 25 per cent capacity of stadiums for the fans from June 19.

'I hope they can return very quickly', Italian football federation chief on allowing fans in stadiums

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte was questioned by prosecutors on Friday about the country's response to its coronavirus outbreak, which has killed more than 34,000 people, reported news agency Reuters.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte was questioned by prosecutors on Friday about the country's response to its coronavirus outbreak, which has killed more than 34,000 people, reported news agency Reuters. The prosecutors from Bergamo, one of the northern cities hit hardest by the pandemic, are looking into why badly affected small towns around the city were not locked down earlier in the outbreak, when infections were rising fast. Conte, who was questioned as a witness for three hours in his office in Rome and is not under criminal investigation, later told reporters via his spokesman: "I wanted to explain every stage to the smallest detail." Prosecutors also questioned Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese and Health Minister Roberto Speranza. In interviews with several Italian newspapers on Friday, Conte said he would tell prosecutors everything he knew and was not worried by the possibility he could be personally investigated. If that did happen, it would be likely to weaken an already fractious coalition government and add fuel to already frequent speculation that Conte may be pushed out despite his high personal approval ratings in opinion polls. Prosecutor Maria Cristina Rota said the meeting had taken place "in an atmosphere of great calm and institutional collaboration". The region of Lombardy, which includes Bergamo, was the original epicentre of Italy's virus outbreak and has remained by far the worst hit of its 20 regions, accounting for about half of its total deaths and most new infections. (With inputs from Reuters)

Italian PM Conte questioned for three hours over coronavirus response

Italy reported 53 deaths due to coronavirus in the last 24 hours against 71 the day before, as per the Civil Protection Agency's statement. In terms of cases, the country reported 379 new cases of the novel virus against 202 on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-to-study-sleep-or-lack-of-it-during-coronavirus-pandemic-305193" hreflang="en">Scientists to study sleep, or lack of it, during coronavirus pandemic</a>

Death toll in Italy (34,167) are the fourth-highest behind those of the United States, Britain and Brazil.

In terms of cases, the European country (236,142) comes seventh behind the United States, Russia, Brazil, Spain, Britain and India.

The number of active cases in Italy is 30,637. Lombardy remains the worst-hit in Italy as it constitutes 252 out of 379 new cases reported on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The number of people in the Intensive Care Unit has come down to 236 against 249 on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The country has witnessed 171,338 were declared recovered against 169,939 a day earlier.

The agency said 2.746 million people had been tested for the virus as of Thursday, against 2.713 million on Wednesday, out of a population of around 60 million.

Italy reported 53 deaths due to coronavirus in the last 24 hours against 71 the day before, as per the Civil Protection Agency's statement. In terms of cases, the country reported 379 new cases of the novel virus against 202 on Tuesday.

Italy reported 53 deaths due to coronavirus in the last 24 hours against 71 the day before, as per the Civil Protection Agency's statement. In terms of cases, the country reported 379 new cases of the novel virus against 202 on Tuesday. Also read: Scientists to study sleep, or lack of it, during coronavirus pandemic Death toll in Italy (34,167) are the fourth-highest behind those of the United States, Britain and Brazil. In terms of cases, the European country (236,142) comes seventh behind the United States, Russia, Brazil, Spain, Britain and India. The number of active cases in Italy is 30,637. Lombardy remains the worst-hit in Italy as it constitutes 252 out of 379 new cases reported on Wednesday. The number of people in the Intensive Care Unit has come down to 236 against 249 on Wednesday. The country has witnessed 171,338 were declared recovered against 169,939 a day earlier. The agency said 2.746 million people had been tested for the virus as of Thursday, against 2.713 million on Wednesday, out of a population of around 60 million.

Italy reports increase in coronavirus cases; death-toll reaches 34,167

A mural by secretive British street artist Banksy stolen from the Bataclan theatre in Paris has been found in a farmhouse in central Italy.

The work, one of a series of murals painted in June 2018 in the French capital, shows a veiled female figure staring mournfully downwards.

Thieves stole the mural in January last year, apparently using portable grinders to remove a fire-exit door before carrying it off in a van, the daily La Repubblica reported.

Magistrates in the central city of L'Aquila said the mural had been recovered on Wednesday morning from an attic.

The mural had been found in a house in the countryside but it appeared that the occupants may not have been aware of the value of the artwork or what it was.

The Bataclan, one of Paris' best-known rock venues, was stormed by militants during a concert in November 2015, as part of coordinated attacks around the city that killed 130 people.

Banksy, who keeps his real identity secret, has become one of the most distinctive personalities of the modern art scene with a series of witty artworks in public places that mix street art techniques with powerful political points.

He has most recently reacted to the death of black American George Floyd after a white police officer knelt on his neck.

He also proposed a new presentation of the toppling of 17th century slave owner Edward Colston that was brought down by protestors in the artist's home city of Bristol

A mural by secretive British street artist Banksy stolen from the Bataclan theatre in Paris has been found in a farmhouse in central Italy. The work, one of a series of murals painted in June 2018 in the French capital, shows a veiled female figure staring mournfully downwards.

A mural by secretive British street artist Banksy stolen from the Bataclan theatre in Paris has been found in a farmhouse in central Italy. The work, one of a series of murals painted in June 2018 in the French capital, shows a veiled female figure staring mournfully downwards. Thieves stole the mural in January last year, apparently using portable grinders to remove a fire-exit door before carrying it off in a van, the daily La Repubblica reported. Magistrates in the central city of L'Aquila said the mural had been recovered on Wednesday morning from an attic. The mural had been found in a house in the countryside but it appeared that the occupants may not have been aware of the value of the artwork or what it was. The Bataclan, one of Paris' best-known rock venues, was stormed by militants during a concert in November 2015, as part of coordinated attacks around the city that killed 130 people. Banksy, who keeps his real identity secret, has become one of the most distinctive personalities of the modern art scene with a series of witty artworks in public places that mix street art techniques with powerful political points. He has most recently reacted to the death of black American George Floyd after a white police officer knelt on his neck. He also proposed a new presentation of the toppling of 17th century slave owner Edward Colston that was brought down by protestors in the artist's home city of Bristol

Banksy mural stolen from Bataclan theatre found in Italian farmhouse

Italy reported 71 deaths due to coronavirus in the last 24 hours against 79 the day before, as per the Civil Protection Agency's statement. In terms of cases, the country reported 202 new cases of the novel virus against 283 on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Death toll in Italy (34,114) are the fourth-highest behind those of the United States, Britain and Brazil.

In terms of cases, the European country (235,763) comes seventh behind the United States, Russia, Brazil, Spain, Britain and India.

The number of active cases in Italy is 31,710. Lombardy remains the worst-hit in Italy as it constitutes 99 out of 202 new cases reported on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Coronavirus has infected over 7.2 &nbsp;million people globally, as per data from the Johns Hopkins University. Currently, 7,240,085 people have been infected with the virus, while 411,279 people have lost their lives to the pandemic, which went global six months ago, after wreaking havoc in China.

The five worst-affected countries according to JHU tracker are US (1,979,850), Brazil (739,503), Russia (484,630), United Kingdom (290,581), followed by India (276,146).

In the US alone, 112,006 deaths have been recorded.&nbsp;

The World Health Organization warned against coronavirus worsening. “Although the situation in Europe is improving, globally it is worsening,” it said while adding that “asymptomatic patients” may not be a real cause of concern, then later backtracking on it.

Italy reported 71 deaths due to coronavirus in the last 24 hours against 79 the day before, as per the Civil Protection Agency's statement. In terms of cases, the country reported 202 new cases of the novel virus against 283 on Tuesday.

Italy reported 71 deaths due to coronavirus in the last 24 hours against 79 the day before, as per the Civil Protection Agency's statement. In terms of cases, the country reported 202 new cases of the novel virus against 283 on Tuesday. Death toll in Italy (34,114) are the fourth-highest behind those of the United States, Britain and Brazil. In terms of cases, the European country (235,763) comes seventh behind the United States, Russia, Brazil, Spain, Britain and India. The number of active cases in Italy is 31,710. Lombardy remains the worst-hit in Italy as it constitutes 99 out of 202 new cases reported on Wednesday. Coronavirus has infected over 7.2 million people globally, as per data from the Johns Hopkins University. Currently, 7,240,085 people have been infected with the virus, while 411,279 people have lost their lives to the pandemic, which went global six months ago, after wreaking havoc in China. The five worst-affected countries according to JHU tracker are US (1,979,850), Brazil (739,503), Russia (484,630), United Kingdom (290,581), followed by India (276,146). In the US alone, 112,006 deaths have been recorded. The World Health Organization warned against coronavirus worsening. “Although the situation in Europe is improving, globally it is worsening,” it said while adding that “asymptomatic patients” may not be a real cause of concern, then later backtracking on it.

Coronavirus: Italy reports 71 deaths and 202 cases in last 24 hours

Coronavirus figures have been rising consistently in Italy. On Tuesday, the country reported 79 new deaths against 65 the day before. In terms of cases, Italy recorded 283 news cases against 280 on Monday.

The total death toll since the outbreak on February 21 stands at 34,043. It is the fourth-highest behind the United States, Britain and Brazil.

The country has total 235,561 cases, which is seventh highest behind those of the United States, Russia, Brazil, Spain, Britain and India.

People registered as currently carrying the illness fell to 32,872 from 34,730 the day before.

Lombardy accounts for 192 out of 283 cases reported on Tuesday. 263 people are currently in ICU.&nbsp;

168,646 have recovered in the country.&nbsp;

The agency said 2.676 million people had been tested for the virus as of Tuesday against 2.643 million on Monday, out of a population of around 60 million.

(Inputs from Reuters)

Coronavirus figures have been rising consistently in Italy. On Tuesday, the country reported 79 new deaths against 65 the day before. In terms of cases, Italy recorded 283 news cases against 280 on Monday.

Coronavirus figures have been rising consistently in Italy. On Tuesday, the country reported 79 new deaths against 65 the day before. In terms of cases, Italy recorded 283 news cases against 280 on Monday. The total death toll since the outbreak on February 21 stands at 34,043. It is the fourth-highest behind the United States, Britain and Brazil. The country has total 235,561 cases, which is seventh highest behind those of the United States, Russia, Brazil, Spain, Britain and India. People registered as currently carrying the illness fell to 32,872 from 34,730 the day before. Lombardy accounts for 192 out of 283 cases reported on Tuesday. 263 people are currently in ICU. 168,646 have recovered in the country. The agency said 2.676 million people had been tested for the virus as of Tuesday against 2.643 million on Monday, out of a population of around 60 million. (Inputs from Reuters)

Italy's coronavirus figures continue to rise; 79 deaths reported in 24 hours

Two prisoners escaped from an Italian prison and left a courtesy note to the guards saying that they would be back shortly, as per a newspaper reported on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Both the convicts Davad Zukanovic and Lil Ahmetovic are cousins, they broke out of Rebibbia prison which is situated in Rome on June 2. They scaled the walls using a water hose in the courtyard.&nbsp;

In the note, they said they had to flee due to some personal reasons. According to Repubblica daily, they "needed &nbsp;to protect their children from a nasty business they had got themselves into." &nbsp; &nbsp;

They also said that only they could make things right for their kids as both their wives are in jail. They promised to return by 15 days.&nbsp;

Both the convicts are facing jail term until 2029 for non-violent crimes including fraud and receiving stolen goods.&nbsp;

Two prisoners escaped from an Italian prison and left a courtesy note to the guards saying that they would be back shortly, as per a newspaper reported on Tuesday.

Two prisoners escaped from an Italian prison and left a courtesy note to the guards saying that they would be back shortly, as per a newspaper reported on Tuesday. Both the convicts Davad Zukanovic and Lil Ahmetovic are cousins, they broke out of Rebibbia prison which is situated in Rome on June 2. They scaled the walls using a water hose in the courtyard. In the note, they said they had to flee due to some personal reasons. According to Repubblica daily, they "needed to protect their children from a nasty business they had got themselves into." They also said that only they could make things right for their kids as both their wives are in jail. They promised to return by 15 days. Both the convicts are facing jail term until 2029 for non-violent crimes including fraud and receiving stolen goods.

Two Italian inmates escape prison; vow to return by 15 days

Italy showed a decline in coronavirus figures. The European country reported 53 deaths on Sunday as compared to 72 a day earlier. 197 new cases were reported on Sunday as compared to 270 on Saturday, as per the Civil Protection department statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-death-toll-tops-400000-us-hardest-hit-with-109802-deaths-304068" hreflang="en">Global coronavirus death toll tops 400,000; US hardest hit with 109,802 deaths</a>

Since February 21, 33,899 people have succumbed due to coronavirus, the agency said, the fourth highest in the world after those of the United States, Britain and Brazil.

With a total number of confirmed cases at 234,998, Italy now has the seventh-highest global tally.

The novel coronavirus death toll has passed 400,000 since it emerged in China late last year, according to an AFP tally of official sources at 1430 GMT on Sunday.

A total of 400,052 deaths have now been recorded -- a figure that has doubled in the past month and a half.

While almost half of the deaths have been recorded in Europe (183,428), the United States remains the hardest-hit nation with 109,802 deaths from 1,920,061 cases.

Britain is next with 40,542 deaths, followed by Brazil (35,930), Italy (33,846) and France (29,142).

The sharp rise in fatalities and cases in Brazil has made Latin America the current focal point of the virus.

Italy showed a decline in coronavirus figures. The European country reported 53 deaths on Sunday as compared to 72 a day earlier. 197 new cases were reported on Sunday as compared to 270 on Saturday, as per the Civil Protection department statement.

Italy showed a decline in coronavirus figures. The European country reported 53 deaths on Sunday as compared to 72 a day earlier. 197 new cases were reported on Sunday as compared to 270 on Saturday, as per the Civil Protection department statement. Also read: Global coronavirus death toll tops 400,000; US hardest hit with 109,802 deaths Since February 21, 33,899 people have succumbed due to coronavirus, the agency said, the fourth highest in the world after those of the United States, Britain and Brazil. With a total number of confirmed cases at 234,998, Italy now has the seventh-highest global tally. The novel coronavirus death toll has passed 400,000 since it emerged in China late last year, according to an AFP tally of official sources at 1430 GMT on Sunday. A total of 400,052 deaths have now been recorded -- a figure that has doubled in the past month and a half. While almost half of the deaths have been recorded in Europe (183,428), the United States remains the hardest-hit nation with 109,802 deaths from 1,920,061 cases. Britain is next with 40,542 deaths, followed by Brazil (35,930), Italy (33,846) and France (29,142). The sharp rise in fatalities and cases in Brazil has made Latin America the current focal point of the virus.

Italy witnesses decline in coronavirus numbers

India reported a record 9,887 new coronavirus cases in one day on Saturday and overtook Italy as the world's sixth-biggest outbreak, two days before the relaxing of a lockdown with the reopening of malls, restaurants and places of worship.

With its total number of cases rising to more than 236,000, India now has fewer infections than only the United States, Brazil, Russia, Britain and Spain, according to a Reuters tally.

However, India's toll of deaths from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, is 6,642, small compared with those other countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-crosses-23-lakh-mark-with-9887-new-cases-and-6642-deaths-303758">Also read:&nbsp;COVID 19: India crosses 2.3 lakh mark with 9,887 new cases and 6,642 deaths</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, anxious to jump-start an economy crippled by the epidemic and put millions of people back to work, is easing its lockdown of the 1.3 billion population imposed in March, which the government says helped avoid an exponential rise in cases.

Restrictions will be loosened from Monday but some experts are worried it is too soon. Giridhar R Babu, epidemiologist at the Public Health Foundation of India, in particular questioned the re-opening of religious places.

"We can survive and sustain the gains without ... opening up religious places for sometime," Babu said on Twitter. 
Concerts, sporting events and political rallies are still banned.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-nearly-50000-coronavirus-cases-mumbai-has-more-than-one-challenge-303731">Also read:&nbsp;With nearly 50,000 coronavirus cases, Mumbai has more than one challenge</a>

The World Health Organization (WHO) said late on Friday India's lockdown had helped it dampen down transmission of the disease, but there was a risk the cases could rise again.

"As India and in other large countries open up and people begin to move there is always a risk of the disease bouncing back up," Dr Mike Ryan, head of WHO's emergencies programme, told a news conference in Geneva.

People visiting places of worship will be asked to wash their hands and feet, and there will be no distribution of food offerings, sprinkling of holy water or touching of idols and holy books.

India reported a record 9,887 new coronavirus cases in one day on Saturday and overtook Italy as the world's sixth-biggest outbreak, two days before the relaxing of a lockdown with the reopening of malls, restaurants and places of worship.

India reported a record 9,887 new coronavirus cases in one day on Saturday and overtook Italy as the world's sixth-biggest outbreak, two days before the relaxing of a lockdown with the reopening of malls, restaurants and places of worship. With its total number of cases rising to more than 236,000, India now has fewer infections than only the United States, Brazil, Russia, Britain and Spain, according to a Reuters tally. However, India's toll of deaths from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, is 6,642, small compared with those other countries. Also read: COVID 19: India crosses 2.3 lakh mark with 9,887 new cases and 6,642 deaths Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, anxious to jump-start an economy crippled by the epidemic and put millions of people back to work, is easing its lockdown of the 1.3 billion population imposed in March, which the government says helped avoid an exponential rise in cases. Restrictions will be loosened from Monday but some experts are worried it is too soon. Giridhar R Babu, epidemiologist at the Public Health Foundation of India, in particular questioned the re-opening of religious places. "We can survive and sustain the gains without ... opening up religious places for sometime," Babu said on Twitter. Concerts, sporting events and political rallies are still banned. Also read: With nearly 50,000 coronavirus cases, Mumbai has more than one challenge The World Health Organization (WHO) said late on Friday India's lockdown had helped it dampen down transmission of the disease, but there was a risk the cases could rise again. "As India and in other large countries open up and people begin to move there is always a risk of the disease bouncing back up," Dr Mike Ryan, head of WHO's emergencies programme, told a news conference in Geneva. People visiting places of worship will be asked to wash their hands and feet, and there will be no distribution of food offerings, sprinkling of holy water or touching of idols and holy books.

COVID 19: India overtakes Italy's coronavirus tally a week after Unlock 1.0

It had been closed to the public since March 8 when the Italian government imposed a lockdown to contain the COVID-19 outbreak

Italy's Colosseum reopens to public with strict social-distancing measures

Italy has recorded 55 deaths due to coronavirus in the last 24 hours on Tuesday and 318 new cases have been reported in the country, as per Civil Protection Agency said.&nbsp;

The death toll of the country now stands at 33,350, which is third-highest behind the United States and Britain. The total number of cases has surged to 233,315 making it the sixth highest country in terms of coronavirus cases behind the United States, Russia, Brazil, Spain and Britain.

New cases on Tuesday (318) were higher than Monday's (178) numbers. Out of the 318 cases, Italy's Lombardy recorded 187 cases.&nbsp;

A total of 408 &nbsp;people are in the intensive care unit currently as compared to 424 on Monday. There was a decline in current cases, the tally now stands at 39,893 from 41,367 the day before.

Around 6.3 million cases of the new coronavirus have been officially declared in the world, more than two-thirds of them in Europe and the United States, according to a tally compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

On Tuesday, the cases stood at &nbsp;6,274,136, according to Johns Hopkins University. So far, the virus has killed 375,711 people worldwide. Coronavirus cases, first reported in China in December last year, peaked in mid-March. The virus is currently affecting more than 200 countries around the world.

Italy has recorded 55 deaths due to coronavirus in the last 24 hours on Tuesday and 318 new cases have been reported in the country, as per Civil Protection Agency said.

Italy has recorded 55 deaths due to coronavirus in the last 24 hours on Tuesday and 318 new cases have been reported in the country, as per Civil Protection Agency said. The death toll of the country now stands at 33,350, which is third-highest behind the United States and Britain. The total number of cases has surged to 233,315 making it the sixth highest country in terms of coronavirus cases behind the United States, Russia, Brazil, Spain and Britain. New cases on Tuesday (318) were higher than Monday's (178) numbers. Out of the 318 cases, Italy's Lombardy recorded 187 cases. A total of 408 people are in the intensive care unit currently as compared to 424 on Monday. There was a decline in current cases, the tally now stands at 39,893 from 41,367 the day before. Around 6.3 million cases of the new coronavirus have been officially declared in the world, more than two-thirds of them in Europe and the United States, according to a tally compiled by Johns Hopkins University. On Tuesday, the cases stood at 6,274,136, according to Johns Hopkins University. So far, the virus has killed 375,711 people worldwide. Coronavirus cases, first reported in China in December last year, peaked in mid-March. The virus is currently affecting more than 200 countries around the world.

Coronavirus: Italy records 55 deaths and 318 cases in last 24 hours

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