Italy to open factories and building sites from May 4 and permit limited family visits as it prepares a staged end to Europe's longest coronavirus lockdown, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Sunday.

More than two months after the first case of COVID-19 appeared in a small town outside Milan and following weeks of lockdown, Italy is looking ahead to a second phase of the crisis in which it will attempt to restart the economy without triggering a new wave of infections, reported news agency AFP.

"We expect a very complex challenge," Conte said as he outlined the road map to restarting activities put into hibernation since early March.&nbsp;

"We will live with the virus and we will have to adopt every precaution possible."

Manufacturers, construction companies and some wholesalers will be allowed to reopen from May 4, followed by retailers two weeks later.&nbsp;

Restaurants and bars will be allowed to reopen fully from the beginning of June, although takeaway business will be possible earlier.

"The reopening is allowed on condition that all companies involved strictly respect security protocols in the workplace," Conte said, adding that the reopening would lay the ground for deeper reforms of the economy in the months ahead.

In addition, parks will be allowed to reopen and limited family visits and funerals with no more than 15 people present will be permitted. But movement between regions remains suspended and people moving about will still have to carry a declaration explaining the reasons for their journeys.

Museums and libraries can reopen from May 18, when sports teams will also be able to resume group training, although Conte said conditions would have to be assessed before any decision on resuming the top-flight Serie A soccer championship.

Schools will remain shut, however, until the start of the new academic year in September, leaving families facing childcare problems for months to come.

(With inputs from AFP)

Italy to open factories and building sites from May 4 and permit limited family visits as it prepares a staged end to Europe's longest coronavirus lockdown, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Sunday.

Italy to open factories and building sites from May 4 and permit limited family visits as it prepares a staged end to Europe's longest coronavirus lockdown, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Sunday. More than two months after the first case of COVID-19 appeared in a small town outside Milan and following weeks of lockdown, Italy is looking ahead to a second phase of the crisis in which it will attempt to restart the economy without triggering a new wave of infections, reported news agency AFP. "We expect a very complex challenge," Conte said as he outlined the road map to restarting activities put into hibernation since early March. "We will live with the virus and we will have to adopt every precaution possible." Manufacturers, construction companies and some wholesalers will be allowed to reopen from May 4, followed by retailers two weeks later. Restaurants and bars will be allowed to reopen fully from the beginning of June, although takeaway business will be possible earlier. "The reopening is allowed on condition that all companies involved strictly respect security protocols in the workplace," Conte said, adding that the reopening would lay the ground for deeper reforms of the economy in the months ahead. In addition, parks will be allowed to reopen and limited family visits and funerals with no more than 15 people present will be permitted. But movement between regions remains suspended and people moving about will still have to carry a declaration explaining the reasons for their journeys. Museums and libraries can reopen from May 18, when sports teams will also be able to resume group training, although Conte said conditions would have to be assessed before any decision on resuming the top-flight Serie A soccer championship. Schools will remain shut, however, until the start of the new academic year in September, leaving families facing childcare problems for months to come. (With inputs from AFP)

Italy to reopen factories in staged end to Europe's longest coronavirus lockdown

The so-called hotspot of the pandemic Coronavius (COVID-19), Now, Italy to allow factories & building sites to reopen from the May 4 following the weeks of lockdown.

Italy to allow factories & building sites to reopen from May 4 following the weeks of lockdown

Italy, with some 26,000 reported deaths, most of them of elderly persons, has Europe's highest toll from COVID-19.

Italy to ease lockdown on May 4?

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte vowed Sunday to reopen schools by September and allow many businesses to resume in a week's time as the country emerges from a near-total shutdown.

Conte told La Repubblica newspaper that he will spell out the full details of how Italy will ease its way out of the world's longest active coronavirus lockdown by the start of next week.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-us-witnesses-nearly-2500-deaths-in-last-24-hours-toll-over-53000-294797">Coronavirus: US witnesses nearly 2,500 deaths in last 24 hours; toll over 53,000</a>

He has reportedly been presented with a cautious proposal that involves a gradual lifting of restrictions over the course of May.

Italy's official death toll of 26,384 is Europe's highest and only second globally to the United States.

But its number of cases has been ebbing and Italy believes its contagion rate -- reported at between 0.2 and 0.7 -- is low enough below the key threshold of 1.0 to try and get back to work.

"We cannot continue beyond this lockdown -- we risk damaging the country's socioeconomic fabric too much," Conte told La Repubblica.

'Very high risk'&nbsp;

Italy gradually closed everything over the first half March as it became increasingly clear that an initial batch of cases in northern areas around Milan was spreading.

Scientists now believe that Italy's infections probably began in January -- if not earlier -- and that the virus was running rampant by the time the first official COVID-19 death was recorded on February 21.

But Italy's health care system held the line and Conte now appears to feel safe enough to focus on mending an economy that his team expects to shrink by eight percent this year.

Conte said his government will "allow a large number of companies" to restart on May 4.

Italy's schools were closed before most other businesses and will now be one of the last to reopen.

He said the return to school was filled with peril because many teachers were older and at greater risk of catching the virus.

"Schools are at the centre of our attention and will reopen in September," the premier said.

Conte explained that resuming tuition before then involved "a very high risk of contagion".

'Greater freedom'&nbsp;

Many Italians are most concerned about when they will finally be able to walk in parks and jog without being stopped and fined by the police.

Italy's stay-at-home orders were announced nationally on March 9 and require everyone to stay within about a block of their front door.

Many have turned their roofs into improvised gyms and even tennis courts in a collective effort to avoid going stir crazy.

"We are not yet in a position to restore full freedom of movement, but we are studying a relaxation of the current, strict regime," Conte said.

"We will make sure to allow greater freedom of movement while maintaining our guarantee to prevent and contain contagion."

Media reports say the government might allow people to move freely within cities but limit their travel between the country's 20 regions.

Conte was also reportedly considering the option of outfitting airports and train stations with thermal scanners that can flag people who are running fevers.

But Conte cautioned against expecting bars and restaurants to open their doors in May -- or tourists returning this summer.

"We will be reviewing our social distancing rules," said Conte.

"But this does not mean that we will be abandoning them."

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte vowed Sunday to reopen schools by September and allow many businesses to resume in a week's time as the country emerges from a near-total shutdown.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte vowed Sunday to reopen schools by September and allow many businesses to resume in a week's time as the country emerges from a near-total shutdown. Conte told La Repubblica newspaper that he will spell out the full details of how Italy will ease its way out of the world's longest active coronavirus lockdown by the start of next week. Also read | Coronavirus: US witnesses nearly 2,500 deaths in last 24 hours; toll over 53,000 He has reportedly been presented with a cautious proposal that involves a gradual lifting of restrictions over the course of May. Italy's official death toll of 26,384 is Europe's highest and only second globally to the United States. But its number of cases has been ebbing and Italy believes its contagion rate -- reported at between 0.2 and 0.7 -- is low enough below the key threshold of 1.0 to try and get back to work. "We cannot continue beyond this lockdown -- we risk damaging the country's socioeconomic fabric too much," Conte told La Repubblica. 'Very high risk' Italy gradually closed everything over the first half March as it became increasingly clear that an initial batch of cases in northern areas around Milan was spreading. Scientists now believe that Italy's infections probably began in January -- if not earlier -- and that the virus was running rampant by the time the first official COVID-19 death was recorded on February 21. But Italy's health care system held the line and Conte now appears to feel safe enough to focus on mending an economy that his team expects to shrink by eight percent this year. Conte said his government will "allow a large number of companies" to restart on May 4. Italy's schools were closed before most other businesses and will now be one of the last to reopen. He said the return to school was filled with peril because many teachers were older and at greater risk of catching the virus. "Schools are at the centre of our attention and will reopen in September," the premier said. Conte explained that resuming tuition before then involved "a very high risk of contagion". 'Greater freedom' Many Italians are most concerned about when they will finally be able to walk in parks and jog without being stopped and fined by the police. Italy's stay-at-home orders were announced nationally on March 9 and require everyone to stay within about a block of their front door. Many have turned their roofs into improvised gyms and even tennis courts in a collective effort to avoid going stir crazy. "We are not yet in a position to restore full freedom of movement, but we are studying a relaxation of the current, strict regime," Conte said. "We will make sure to allow greater freedom of movement while maintaining our guarantee to prevent and contain contagion." Media reports say the government might allow people to move freely within cities but limit their travel between the country's 20 regions. Conte was also reportedly considering the option of outfitting airports and train stations with thermal scanners that can flag people who are running fevers. But Conte cautioned against expecting bars and restaurants to open their doors in May -- or tourists returning this summer. "We will be reviewing our social distancing rules," said Conte. "But this does not mean that we will be abandoning them."

Coronavirus in Italy: PM Giuseppe Conte vows to reopen schools in September

The media reports suggested that lockdown to rollback over the next 4 week in Italy. The next four Mondays will remark the country's reopening.

Media Reports: Lockdown to rollback over the next 4 weeks in Italy

There is a sigh of relief for Italy. Italy recorded more recoveries than fresh COVID-19 cases after long.

Sigh of relief for Italy, records more recoveries than fresh COVID-19 cases after long

The coronavirus pandemic has so far claimed over 25,000 lives in Italy. With this, the total number of active infections, fatalities and recoveries now stands at 1,87,327.

According to the latest data released by the country's Civil Protection Department, Wednesday saw 437 new deaths, bringing the total to 25,085 fatalities since the pandemic first broke out in the northern Lombardy region on February 21.

A total of 2,943 additional recoveries were registered on Wednesday compared to Tuesday, bringing the total to 54,543, Xinhua news agency reported. It was also the biggest daily recoveries recorded so far.

A positive trend was also confirmed in the number of patients hospitalised.

Meanwhile, the number of doctors who have died from the coronavirus infections grew to 144, after two more fatalities were registered in the last 24 hours.

Italy entered into a national lockdown on March 10 to contain the pandemic. The lockdown, which is expected to last until May 3, will be followed by a "Phase Two," involving "the gradual resumption of social, economic and productive activities," the Italian government has explained.

The coronavirus pandemic has so far claimed over 25,000 lives in Italy. With this, the total number of active infections, fatalities and recoveries now stands at 1,87,327.

The coronavirus pandemic has so far claimed over 25,000 lives in Italy. With this, the total number of active infections, fatalities and recoveries now stands at 1,87,327. According to the latest data released by the country's Civil Protection Department, Wednesday saw 437 new deaths, bringing the total to 25,085 fatalities since the pandemic first broke out in the northern Lombardy region on February 21. A total of 2,943 additional recoveries were registered on Wednesday compared to Tuesday, bringing the total to 54,543, Xinhua news agency reported. It was also the biggest daily recoveries recorded so far. A positive trend was also confirmed in the number of patients hospitalised. Meanwhile, the number of doctors who have died from the coronavirus infections grew to 144, after two more fatalities were registered in the last 24 hours. Italy entered into a national lockdown on March 10 to contain the pandemic. The lockdown, which is expected to last until May 3, will be followed by a "Phase Two," involving "the gradual resumption of social, economic and productive activities," the Italian government has explained.

Italy's coronavirus death toll reaches 25,000

Italy announced that it has more number of ventilators than COVID-19 patients, Italy has around 2,573 patients under intensive unit and it has 2,659 ventilators available. Watch this video to know more.

Italy reports more ventilators than COVID-19 patients under intensive care units

The world has come to a standstill ever due to the outbreak of coronavirus. events, concerts, summits and film festivals have all been pushed or called off due to the pandemic. The annual Cannes Film festival, considered as one of the most prestigious film events of the year was earlier scheduled to take place in May but now the organisers have shown eagerness to combine it with Venice Film Festival that is set to take place in September. 
 
While earlier the organisers of Venice Film Festival had completely shut down on the idea of combining the two European film fest together, on Tuesday the director of Venice film fest did hint at collaborating with its French counterpart. 
 
Alberto Barbera, the Artistic Director of the Venice Film Festival, stated that 'discussions are still open' with Cannes head Thierry Fremaux and hinted that there was indeed a possibility "of a real collaboration” with Cannes. It would be “a sign of solidarity towards the world of cinema”, which is needed “more than ever now in this difficult time,” he said. 
 
“There is concrete will from both of us to do something… In short, we are available for all solutions,” added Barbera. 
Barbera also stated that the film festival would be taking place in an 'experimental format' in its 2020 edition. 
 
“There will certainly be the use of masks and social distancing. It will then be necessary to reduce the number of admissions to the cinema and probably also the number of accreditations.” 
 
Barbera added that the international films that will get selected this year may not all have talent representing them at the festival. "

&nbsp;

The world has come to a standstill ever due to the outbreak of coronavirus. events, concerts, summits and film festivals have all been pushed or called off due to the pandemic.

The world has come to a standstill ever due to the outbreak of coronavirus. events, concerts, summits and film festivals have all been pushed or called off due to the pandemic. The annual Cannes Film festival, considered as one of the most prestigious film events of the year was earlier scheduled to take place in May but now the organisers have shown eagerness to combine it with Venice Film Festival that is set to take place in September. While earlier the organisers of Venice Film Festival had completely shut down on the idea of combining the two European film fest together, on Tuesday the director of Venice film fest did hint at collaborating with its French counterpart. Alberto Barbera, the Artistic Director of the Venice Film Festival, stated that 'discussions are still open' with Cannes head Thierry Fremaux and hinted that there was indeed a possibility "of a real collaboration” with Cannes. It would be “a sign of solidarity towards the world of cinema”, which is needed “more than ever now in this difficult time,” he said. “There is concrete will from both of us to do something… In short, we are available for all solutions,” added Barbera. Barbera also stated that the film festival would be taking place in an 'experimental format' in its 2020 edition. “There will certainly be the use of masks and social distancing. It will then be necessary to reduce the number of admissions to the cinema and probably also the number of accreditations.” Barbera added that the international films that will get selected this year may not all have talent representing them at the festival. "

Venice Film Festival director hints at collaborating with Cannes this year

Deaths from the COVID-19 epidemic in&nbsp;Italy&nbsp;rose by 454 on Monday, slightly up on Sunday's tally, while the number of new cases dropped to 2,256, the lowest level in well over a month, the Civil Protection Agency said.

The total death toll stood at 24,114, the second-highest in the world after that of the United States, while the number of confirmed cases, which includes those who have fully recovered and those who have died of the disease, was 181,228.

For the first time since the outbreak came to light on Feb. 21, the number of people registered as actively carrying the illness fell to 108,237, a drop of 20 on the day before.

"The fall in the number of active cases is extremely encouraging," Luca Richeldi, a lung expert and member of the government's science committee, told reporters. "The death toll is the only parameter that is moving in the wrong direction."

There were 2,573 people in intensive care on Monday against 2,635 on Sunday. Of those originally infected, 48,877 were declared recovered against 47,055 a day earlier.

New cases on Sunday totalled 3,047, while on Saturday, the figure stood at 3,491. Monday's tally was the lowest since March 10, when the contagion was taking off across northern&nbsp;Italy.

By contrast, the latest daily death toll was up on Sunday's level, when the number came in at 433, but down on Saturday's 482.

Given current trends,&nbsp;Italy's regional health observatory forecast on Monday that two of the country's 20 regions -- Basilicata and Umbria -- would be registering no new cases by the end of April.

By contrast, it would take until the end of June for the worst-hit region, Lombardy, to have zero new coronavirus cases.

Deaths from the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy rose by 454 on Monday, slightly up on Sunday's tally, while the number of new cases dropped to 2,256, the lowest level in well over a month, the Civil Protection Agency said.

Deaths from the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy rose by 454 on Monday, slightly up on Sunday's tally, while the number of new cases dropped to 2,256, the lowest level in well over a month, the Civil Protection Agency said. The total death toll stood at 24,114, the second-highest in the world after that of the United States, while the number of confirmed cases, which includes those who have fully recovered and those who have died of the disease, was 181,228. For the first time since the outbreak came to light on Feb. 21, the number of people registered as actively carrying the illness fell to 108,237, a drop of 20 on the day before. "The fall in the number of active cases is extremely encouraging," Luca Richeldi, a lung expert and member of the government's science committee, told reporters. "The death toll is the only parameter that is moving in the wrong direction." There were 2,573 people in intensive care on Monday against 2,635 on Sunday. Of those originally infected, 48,877 were declared recovered against 47,055 a day earlier. New cases on Sunday totalled 3,047, while on Saturday, the figure stood at 3,491. Monday's tally was the lowest since March 10, when the contagion was taking off across northern Italy. By contrast, the latest daily death toll was up on Sunday's level, when the number came in at 433, but down on Saturday's 482. Given current trends, Italy's regional health observatory forecast on Monday that two of the country's 20 regions -- Basilicata and Umbria -- would be registering no new cases by the end of April. By contrast, it would take until the end of June for the worst-hit region, Lombardy, to have zero new coronavirus cases.

Italy's coronavirus death toll edges up, new cases fall sharply

Italy is staring down the barrel of the worst recession since World War II, which could bolster the far-right and damage the country's love affair with the European Union, analysts say.

Much will depend on how Rome handles the easing of the national lockdown, how quickly it manages to get liquidity to suffering businesses, and how much solidarity it is seen to get from the EU at a key meeting next week.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-global-death-toll-surpasses-150000-293251">Coronavirus pandemic: Global death toll surpasses 150,000</a>

The coronavirus emergency in Italy has fuelled not only national pride but also eurosceptic and populist narratives.

That brew could play right into the hands of Matteo Salvini, whose League party governed Italy in a coalition for a year until summer 2019 and who is determined to return quickly to power, to rule alone.

"The (economic) blow is going to be extremely hard, that's clear. But it can be merely extremely hard, or it can be exceptionally hard," Giovanni Orsina, professor of politics at Rome's LUISS University, told AFP.

"If people begin to suffer seriously, rage could spread throughout the country... at which point far-right propaganda becomes very effective", he said.

At the height of the health crisis, which has killed over 22,000 people and infected around 169,000, largely in the country's wealthy northern powerhouse, Italy's warring political parties called a temporary truce of sorts.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte's popularity shot up to a record high of around 63 percent, polls showed.&nbsp;

Bitter spats&nbsp;

But as preparations for relaunching parts of the economy begin, cracks have emerged in the already fragile ruling coalition, made up of the centre-left Democratic Party and anti-establishment Five Stars Movement.

And opposition leader Salvini has resumed his virulent attacks on the government, along with Giorgia Meloni, head of the small far-right Brothers of Italy party, which has been enjoying a sharp rise in popularity.

Bitter spats have broken out over the length of the economically-crippling lockdown, which has been extended by Conte and is currently due to be lifted on May 4, after a near two-month stoppage.

Millions of Italians are either furloughed or have lost their jobs, and the northern regions -- League strongholds -- are champing at the bit to re-open.

A delay in shutting several virus hotspots in the Lombardy region, home to the financial capital Milan, allowed the virus to spread and has sparked a row between the government and League -- with each blaming the other for failing to act.

The anti-populist, youth-driven Sardines movement -- founded last year to try and stop Salvini's rise -- is one of many left-wing voices calling on Conte to put the region under special commission for woeful crisis management.

The economic fallout forecast is mind-boggling. The International Monetary Fund expects Italy's economy to shrink by 9.1 per cent in 2020 -- the worst peacetime decline in nearly a century.

The Confindustria big business lobby has said every week of the shutdown chops another 0.75 per cent off GDP.

Yet Conte has hesitated over entering the so-called "Phase Two", the easing of the lockdown, amid advice from top scientists that the epidemic could flare up again, forcing him to shut down the country a second time.

He is banking on help from the EU to weather the storm.

Anti-EU backlash&nbsp;

Eurogroup finance ministers have approved a 500-billion-euro rescue package to help European countries hit hard by the pandemic -- but some Italians fear that the cross-border solidarity will come with strings attached.

The ministers have so far refused to counter a proposal from Italy, Spain, and France for a joint borrowing instrument, dubbed a "coronabond", that would have raised money towards recovery after the outbreak.&nbsp;

The bonds could reduce Italy's borrowing costs, but northern nations say they unfairly help countries that had been spending beyond their means for years.

That has incensed many Italians.

Italy also felt abandoned at the start of the crisis, with European countries reluctant to share much-needed medical supplies, for which the EU Commission president offered a "heartfelt apology" this week.

A Tecne poll from April 9 and 10 found the share of Italians that would vote to leave the EU in a referendum was up by 20 percentage points to 49 per cent, compared to a previous poll from the end of 2018.

Rome is reluctant to use the rescue plan, which includes loans from the financial-crisis-era European Stability Mechanism (ESM), despite an easing of the tough economic and fiscal reform usually tied to it as requirements.

The ESM evokes bad memories of Brussels dictating policy to bailed-out Greece, and Salvini and Meloni have both said Conte would be stripping Italy of its sovereignty if he uses it.

They also complain Italy is being offered a fraction of the money it pours into the EU, and will have to pay interest.

"It's stealing," Salvini said, sneering at the suggestion Italy had got a good deal in terms of the reduced conditions.

Meloni said using the mechanism was "worthy of a totalitarian regime" and "a democratic point of no return".

The government hopes it will score an important win on the question of joint bonds to finance reconstruction at a videoconference meeting of EU leaders next Thursday -- perhaps allowing it to avoid using the ESM.&nbsp;

Former Italian prime minister Enrico Letta implored Brussels, Berlin and Paris "not to underestimate... growing euro-frustration" among Italians. It would be "a big mistake", he tweeted.

Risks&nbsp;

Conte's problems are not limited to the far-right.

While the PD is in favour of using the ESM, part of the Five Stars Movement is stridently opposed, with party leader Vito Crimi saying in an interview on Wednesday that Conte's premiership was at risk over it.

Analysts say the PM is gambling on getting more attractive aid from the EU if he drags his feet over the ESM.

Conte said Wednesday no decision would be taken before the exact conditions are drawn up and can be studied by parliament. Italy has said it will use other resources on offer from the EU, such as unemployment support.

But it was not clear his assurance would soften the rumblings of discontent inside and outside the government.

According to political analyst Stefano Folli, a fracture like the one currently dividing the ruling majority "would usually have already toppled the government".

Conte has appeared "increasingly muddled" over the past couple of weeks, and his opponents were being given ammunition by his "mediocre handling of the emergency," he wrote in the Repubblica daily on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The PM has been accused of avoiding difficult decisions on lifting the lockdown by simply extending it.

'Serious trouble'&nbsp;

He has called on Italians to be patient, saying financial aid was coming. But there are real fears that widespread job losses, poverty, homelessness and hunger could spark social unrest -- and a revolt against the government.

Media reports have flagged a rise in domestic abuse and suicides as quarantined families snap under the strain.

Italy's interior minister has put the police on alert. Particular attention will be paid to the poorer regions south of Rome, where the lockdown is costing some 10 billion euros a month in lost productivity, according to the SVIMEZ association.

Anger is rising there that an area already dogged with high unemployment has not been allowed to leave the lockdown early, despite having relatively few virus cases.

"If you have a very, very troubled country, you cannot have Salvini and Meloni fanning the flames," LUISS University's Orsina said.

"You risk serious trouble: very bad polling numbers for the government, people protesting in the streets, people stealing in supermarkets, a furious country," he said.

Orsina said Conte's only option at that point would be to bring Salvini's League and Meloni's Brothers of Italy party into a new, national unity government -- though it would be "an extremely complex operation".

"I don't think Conte is likely to be able to carry on" as things are, Orsina said.

Not all are as pessimistic.

The Stampa daily's commentator Ugo Magri said Salvini or Meloni were unlikely to go for Conte's jugular now, largely because they would be blamed if the manouevre slowed or hampered the easing of the lockdown.

"Conte will be politically untouchable throughout 'Phase 2', so until the autumn," he wrote.

And while fellow analyst Massimo Franco thought Italy's anti-European forces could prevail in the short term, he told AFP he believed Italians would soon realise their connection with Europe "is increasingly necessary and important".

"Problems like pandemics need a supranational effort. And Europe, in spite of everything, is doing what it can for Italy", he said.

Italy is staring down the barrel of the worst recession since World War II, which could bolster the far-right and damage the country's love affair with the European Union, analysts say.

Italy is staring down the barrel of the worst recession since World War II, which could bolster the far-right and damage the country's love affair with the European Union, analysts say. Much will depend on how Rome handles the easing of the national lockdown, how quickly it manages to get liquidity to suffering businesses, and how much solidarity it is seen to get from the EU at a key meeting next week. Also read | Coronavirus pandemic: Global death toll surpasses 150,000 The coronavirus emergency in Italy has fuelled not only national pride but also eurosceptic and populist narratives. That brew could play right into the hands of Matteo Salvini, whose League party governed Italy in a coalition for a year until summer 2019 and who is determined to return quickly to power, to rule alone. "The (economic) blow is going to be extremely hard, that's clear. But it can be merely extremely hard, or it can be exceptionally hard," Giovanni Orsina, professor of politics at Rome's LUISS University, told AFP. "If people begin to suffer seriously, rage could spread throughout the country... at which point far-right propaganda becomes very effective", he said. At the height of the health crisis, which has killed over 22,000 people and infected around 169,000, largely in the country's wealthy northern powerhouse, Italy's warring political parties called a temporary truce of sorts. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte's popularity shot up to a record high of around 63 percent, polls showed. Bitter spats But as preparations for relaunching parts of the economy begin, cracks have emerged in the already fragile ruling coalition, made up of the centre-left Democratic Party and anti-establishment Five Stars Movement. And opposition leader Salvini has resumed his virulent attacks on the government, along with Giorgia Meloni, head of the small far-right Brothers of Italy party, which has been enjoying a sharp rise in popularity. Bitter spats have broken out over the length of the economically-crippling lockdown, which has been extended by Conte and is currently due to be lifted on May 4, after a near two-month stoppage. Millions of Italians are either furloughed or have lost their jobs, and the northern regions -- League strongholds -- are champing at the bit to re-open. A delay in shutting several virus hotspots in the Lombardy region, home to the financial capital Milan, allowed the virus to spread and has sparked a row between the government and League -- with each blaming the other for failing to act. The anti-populist, youth-driven Sardines movement -- founded last year to try and stop Salvini's rise -- is one of many left-wing voices calling on Conte to put the region under special commission for woeful crisis management. The economic fallout forecast is mind-boggling. The International Monetary Fund expects Italy's economy to shrink by 9.1 per cent in 2020 -- the worst peacetime decline in nearly a century. The Confindustria big business lobby has said every week of the shutdown chops another 0.75 per cent off GDP. Yet Conte has hesitated over entering the so-called "Phase Two", the easing of the lockdown, amid advice from top scientists that the epidemic could flare up again, forcing him to shut down the country a second time. He is banking on help from the EU to weather the storm. Anti-EU backlash Eurogroup finance ministers have approved a 500-billion-euro rescue package to help European countries hit hard by the pandemic -- but some Italians fear that the cross-border solidarity will come with strings attached. The ministers have so far refused to counter a proposal from Italy, Spain, and France for a joint borrowing instrument, dubbed a "coronabond", that would have raised money towards recovery after the outbreak. The bonds could reduce Italy's borrowing costs, but northern nations say they unfairly help countries that had been spending beyond their means for years. That has incensed many Italians. Italy also felt abandoned at the start of the crisis, with European countries reluctant to share much-needed medical supplies, for which the EU Commission president offered a "heartfelt apology" this week. A Tecne poll from April 9 and 10 found the share of Italians that would vote to leave the EU in a referendum was up by 20 percentage points to 49 per cent, compared to a previous poll from the end of 2018. Rome is reluctant to use the rescue plan, which includes loans from the financial-crisis-era European Stability Mechanism (ESM), despite an easing of the tough economic and fiscal reform usually tied to it as requirements. The ESM evokes bad memories of Brussels dictating policy to bailed-out Greece, and Salvini and Meloni have both said Conte would be stripping Italy of its sovereignty if he uses it. They also complain Italy is being offered a fraction of the money it pours into the EU, and will have to pay interest. "It's stealing," Salvini said, sneering at the suggestion Italy had got a good deal in terms of the reduced conditions. Meloni said using the mechanism was "worthy of a totalitarian regime" and "a democratic point of no return". The government hopes it will score an important win on the question of joint bonds to finance reconstruction at a videoconference meeting of EU leaders next Thursday -- perhaps allowing it to avoid using the ESM. Former Italian prime minister Enrico Letta implored Brussels, Berlin and Paris "not to underestimate... growing euro-frustration" among Italians. It would be "a big mistake", he tweeted. Risks Conte's problems are not limited to the far-right. While the PD is in favour of using the ESM, part of the Five Stars Movement is stridently opposed, with party leader Vito Crimi saying in an interview on Wednesday that Conte's premiership was at risk over it. Analysts say the PM is gambling on getting more attractive aid from the EU if he drags his feet over the ESM. Conte said Wednesday no decision would be taken before the exact conditions are drawn up and can be studied by parliament. Italy has said it will use other resources on offer from the EU, such as unemployment support. But it was not clear his assurance would soften the rumblings of discontent inside and outside the government. According to political analyst Stefano Folli, a fracture like the one currently dividing the ruling majority "would usually have already toppled the government". Conte has appeared "increasingly muddled" over the past couple of weeks, and his opponents were being given ammunition by his "mediocre handling of the emergency," he wrote in the Repubblica daily on Tuesday. The PM has been accused of avoiding difficult decisions on lifting the lockdown by simply extending it. 'Serious trouble' He has called on Italians to be patient, saying financial aid was coming. But there are real fears that widespread job losses, poverty, homelessness and hunger could spark social unrest -- and a revolt against the government. Media reports have flagged a rise in domestic abuse and suicides as quarantined families snap under the strain. Italy's interior minister has put the police on alert. Particular attention will be paid to the poorer regions south of Rome, where the lockdown is costing some 10 billion euros a month in lost productivity, according to the SVIMEZ association. Anger is rising there that an area already dogged with high unemployment has not been allowed to leave the lockdown early, despite having relatively few virus cases. "If you have a very, very troubled country, you cannot have Salvini and Meloni fanning the flames," LUISS University's Orsina said. "You risk serious trouble: very bad polling numbers for the government, people protesting in the streets, people stealing in supermarkets, a furious country," he said. Orsina said Conte's only option at that point would be to bring Salvini's League and Meloni's Brothers of Italy party into a new, national unity government -- though it would be "an extremely complex operation". "I don't think Conte is likely to be able to carry on" as things are, Orsina said. Not all are as pessimistic. The Stampa daily's commentator Ugo Magri said Salvini or Meloni were unlikely to go for Conte's jugular now, largely because they would be blamed if the manouevre slowed or hampered the easing of the lockdown. "Conte will be politically untouchable throughout 'Phase 2', so until the autumn," he wrote. And while fellow analyst Massimo Franco thought Italy's anti-European forces could prevail in the short term, he told AFP he believed Italians would soon realise their connection with Europe "is increasingly necessary and important". "Problems like pandemics need a supranational effort. And Europe, in spite of everything, is doing what it can for Italy", he said.

Will Italy's coronavirus epidemic fuel the far right?

The global death toll of novel coronavirus crossed 150,000 on Friday as the United States continued to remain worst-affected both in terms of number of cases and deaths.&nbsp;

The latest data revealed that European countries and the US continue to suffer the most from the pandemic, and a sharp rise in the virus's infections in Africa.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-infections-surpass-700000-in-us-over-36000-dead-293247">Coronavirus infections surpass 700,000 in US, over 36,000 dead</a>

More than half of humanity, 4.5 billion people are under lockdown imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-lockdown-extension-uks-coronavirus-death-toll-surges-past-14500-293200">Amid lockdown extension, UK's coronavirus death toll surges past 14,500</a>

More than 8,800 died globally of the coornavirus in the latest 24-hour period. Out of over 150,000 deaths, the US has confirmed 36,773, followed by Italy with 22,745. Spain, France reported 19,478 and 18,681 deaths respectively.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, China updated its coronavirus death toll to 4,636 on Friday after the country's epicentre Wuhan increased the toll by 50 per cent to 3,969.&nbsp;

This comes at a time when the pressure was mounting on China by the US and several countries over the credibility of coronavirus figures.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump said that Beijing continues to cover up the death toll.&nbsp;

"It is far higher than that and far higher than the U.S., not even close!" the US president tweeted.

(With AFP inputs) 
&nbsp;

The global death toll of novel coronavirus crossed 150,000 on Friday as the United States continued to remain worst-affected both in terms of number of cases and deaths.

The global death toll of novel coronavirus crossed 150,000 on Friday as the United States continued to remain worst-affected both in terms of number of cases and deaths. The latest data revealed that European countries and the US continue to suffer the most from the pandemic, and a sharp rise in the virus's infections in Africa. Also read | Coronavirus infections surpass 700,000 in US, over 36,000 dead More than half of humanity, 4.5 billion people are under lockdown imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19. Also read | Amid lockdown extension, UK's coronavirus death toll surges past 14,500 More than 8,800 died globally of the coornavirus in the latest 24-hour period. Out of over 150,000 deaths, the US has confirmed 36,773, followed by Italy with 22,745. Spain, France reported 19,478 and 18,681 deaths respectively. Meanwhile, China updated its coronavirus death toll to 4,636 on Friday after the country's epicentre Wuhan increased the toll by 50 per cent to 3,969. This comes at a time when the pressure was mounting on China by the US and several countries over the credibility of coronavirus figures. US President Donald Trump said that Beijing continues to cover up the death toll. "It is far higher than that and far higher than the U.S., not even close!" the US president tweeted. (With AFP inputs)

Coronavirus pandemic: Global death toll surpasses 150,000

As the world observes the International Day for Monuments and Sites, also known as World Heritage Day on 18 April, we bring you top 5 breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are worth visiting.

Top 5 World Heritage Sites to Visit

Italians are known for being food-lovers, so perhaps it is no surprise that a nationwide lockdown has meant families across the country are whiling away time by baking - so much so that the demand for flour has skyrocketed more than any time since World War Two.

Wartime demand for flour as bread-making frenzy takes over Italy

The economic cost of the deadly pathogens affecting olive trees in Europe has been estimated to over €20 billion.

The team of researchers made projections for Italy, Spain and Greece, which between them account for 95 per cent&nbsp;of European olive oil production.

The&nbsp;study has been published&nbsp;in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cold-war-bombs-help-scientists-discover-whale-sharks-can-live-up-to-a-century-291112" hreflang="en">Cold war bombs help scientists discover whale sharks can live up to a century!</a>

According to the study,&nbsp;it can cause damages worth&nbsp;€17 billion alone in Spain in the next 50 years.

<img alt="Olive trees" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e4172b07-9ed9-4194-ab64-9463c4cda0d7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_111724705_4.png" />

(The impact of infection with Xylella - the trees on the right have not yet been exposed to the bacterium)

A similar scenario in Italy would amount to over five billion, while in Greece, the losses would be under two billion.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uranus-wasnt-always-tilted-find-out-what-actually-happened-291104" hreflang="en">Uranus wasn't always tilted: Find out what actually happened!</a>

Also known as Xylella fastidiosa&nbsp;pathogen is&nbsp;transmitted&nbsp;by sap-sucking insects such as spittlebugs.

The bacterium which has killed swathes of trees in Italy, now poses a potential threat to olive plantations in Spain and Greece.

Researchers have&nbsp;analysed&nbsp;the future adverse&nbsp;impacts of the disease which can&nbsp;increase the costs of olive oil for consumers.

Xylella is considered to be one of the most dangerous pathogens for plants anywhere in the world.

It can infect cherry, almond and plum trees as well as olives and&nbsp;has been&nbsp;associated with olives after a strain was discovered in trees in Puglia in Italy in 2013.

At present there is no cure for the infection which&nbsp;limits the tree's ability to move water and nutrients and over time it withers and dies.

Other then&nbsp;Italy, the Xylella bacterium has now been found in Spain, France and Portugal.

The economic cost of the deadly pathogens affecting olive trees in Europe has been estimated to over €20 billion. The team of researchers made projections for Italy, Spain and Greece, which between them account for 95 per cent of European olive oil production.

The economic cost of the deadly pathogens affecting olive trees in Europe has been estimated to over €20 billion. The team of researchers made projections for Italy, Spain and Greece, which between them account for 95 per cent of European olive oil production. The study has been published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Also read: Cold war bombs help scientists discover whale sharks can live up to a century! According to the study, it can cause damages worth €17 billion alone in Spain in the next 50 years. (The impact of infection with Xylella - the trees on the right have not yet been exposed to the bacterium) A similar scenario in Italy would amount to over five billion, while in Greece, the losses would be under two billion. Also read: Uranus wasn't always tilted: Find out what actually happened! Also known as Xylella fastidiosa pathogen is transmitted by sap-sucking insects such as spittlebugs. The bacterium which has killed swathes of trees in Italy, now poses a potential threat to olive plantations in Spain and Greece. Researchers have analysed the future adverse impacts of the disease which can increase the costs of olive oil for consumers. Xylella is considered to be one of the most dangerous pathogens for plants anywhere in the world. It can infect cherry, almond and plum trees as well as olives and has been associated with olives after a strain was discovered in trees in Puglia in Italy in 2013. At present there is no cure for the infection which limits the tree's ability to move water and nutrients and over time it withers and dies. Other then Italy, the Xylella bacterium has now been found in Spain, France and Portugal.

Lethal olive tree disease across Europe is costing billions

The number of new coronavirus cases in Italy has declined but the death toll continues to rise. The number of COVID-19 fatalities in Italy rose to 566, up from 431 the previous day.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-extends-lockdown-till-may-3-as-coronavirus-cases-cross-10000-292393" hreflang="en">PM Narendra Modi extends lockdown till May 3 as coronavirus cases cross 10,000</a>

The overall death toll is now 20,465.

Meanwhile, neighbouring France has extended lockdown to May 11. This as President Emmanuel Macron warned, that the pandemic was not yet under control. This comes as the death toll in the country nears 15,000.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/angry-trump-denies-plan-to-axe-coronavirus-doctor-but-signals-new-fights-292340">Angry Trump denies plan to axe coronavirus doctor but signals new fights</a>

Rafale jets which were aboard a coronavirus-stricken aircraft carrier have returned to their base in northwest France.

Personnel who operated the jets were tested before being quarantined in a military facility

In Spain, labourers went back to work as the country started to ease tough lockdown restrictions, that have kept people confined to their homes for over a month.

Dozens of health workers in Madrid paid tribute to a colleague who passed away from coronavirus.

The 57-year old nurse became the third medic to succumb to COVID-19 in the Spanish capital.

Spain has confirmed over 17-thousand coronavirus deaths.

The number of new coronavirus cases in Italy has declined but the death toll continues to rise. The number of COVID-19 fatalities in Italy rose to 566, up from 431 the previous day.

The number of new coronavirus cases in Italy has declined but the death toll continues to rise. The number of COVID-19 fatalities in Italy rose to 566, up from 431 the previous day. Also read: PM Narendra Modi extends lockdown till May 3 as coronavirus cases cross 10,000 The overall death toll is now 20,465. Meanwhile, neighbouring France has extended lockdown to May 11. This as President Emmanuel Macron warned, that the pandemic was not yet under control. This comes as the death toll in the country nears 15,000. Also read: Angry Trump denies plan to axe coronavirus doctor but signals new fights Rafale jets which were aboard a coronavirus-stricken aircraft carrier have returned to their base in northwest France. Personnel who operated the jets were tested before being quarantined in a military facility In Spain, labourers went back to work as the country started to ease tough lockdown restrictions, that have kept people confined to their homes for over a month. Dozens of health workers in Madrid paid tribute to a colleague who passed away from coronavirus. The 57-year old nurse became the third medic to succumb to COVID-19 in the Spanish capital. Spain has confirmed over 17-thousand coronavirus deaths.

Coronavirus pandemic in Europe not yet under control!

New York to Pune: Coronavirus 'hotspots' across the globe

We are all coming across stories of drones' surveillance in a bid to check social distancing and urge people to remain at home, but in Italy, drones are checking temperatures of people moving out as well.&nbsp;

"Attention! You are in a prohibited area. Get out immediately," the voice from a drone said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belgium-records-496-coronavirus-related-deaths-in-24-hours-toll-crosses-3000-291800">Belgium records 496 coronavirus related deaths in 24 hours; toll crosses 3,000</a>

A heat sensor takes the temperature of the offender and sends it to the drone operator.&nbsp;

"Violations of the regulations result in administrative and criminal penalties," the drone says.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-higher-temperatures-have-an-effect-on-coronavirus-heres-what-a-new-research-says-291823">Will higher temperatures have an effect on coronavirus? Here's what a new research says</a>

With over 18,000 fatalities, Italy has seen the highest number of deaths.&nbsp;

"Once a person's temperature is read by the drone, you must still stop that person and measure their temperature with a normal thermometer," Matteo Copia, police commander in Treviolo, near Bergamo, said, reports AFP.&nbsp;

"But drones are useful for controlling the territory."

However, some Italians remain concerned about drones compromising with privacy and security.&nbsp;

"The use of drones might seem positive but in my opinion, it's a privacy violation," a student Carlotta Locatelli said.

However, pensioner Regina Masper said that dones are delivering a public good.&nbsp;

"I think it's good that they are using drones," Masper said.

"At least we know who is infected and who is not."

We are all coming across stories of drones' surveillance in a bid to check social distancing and urge people to remain at home, but in Italy, drones are checking temperatures of people moving out as well.

We are all coming across stories of drones' surveillance in a bid to check social distancing and urge people to remain at home, but in Italy, drones are checking temperatures of people moving out as well. "Attention! You are in a prohibited area. Get out immediately," the voice from a drone said. Also read | Belgium records 496 coronavirus related deaths in 24 hours; toll crosses 3,000 A heat sensor takes the temperature of the offender and sends it to the drone operator. "Violations of the regulations result in administrative and criminal penalties," the drone says. Also read | Will higher temperatures have an effect on coronavirus? Here's what a new research says With over 18,000 fatalities, Italy has seen the highest number of deaths. "Once a person's temperature is read by the drone, you must still stop that person and measure their temperature with a normal thermometer," Matteo Copia, police commander in Treviolo, near Bergamo, said, reports AFP. "But drones are useful for controlling the territory." However, some Italians remain concerned about drones compromising with privacy and security. "The use of drones might seem positive but in my opinion, it's a privacy violation," a student Carlotta Locatelli said. However, pensioner Regina Masper said that dones are delivering a public good. "I think it's good that they are using drones," Masper said. "At least we know who is infected and who is not."

Coronavirus: Drones in Italy measure temperature and issue fines too

One hundred Italian doctors have succumbed to novel coronavirus since the pandemic reached Italy in February, according to the country's FNOMCeO health association said on Thursday.

One hundred Italian doctors have succumbed to novel coronavirus since the pandemic reached Italy in February, according to the country's FNOMCeO health association said on Thursday. "The number of doctors who have died because of COVID-19 is 100 -- perhaps even 101 at the moment, unfortunately," FNOMCeO spokesman reportedly told AFP. The toll includes retired doctors the government began calling in a month ago to help fight a coronavirus that has officially claimed a world-topping 17,669 lives in Italy. Italian media reports estimate that 30 nurses and nursing assistants have also died of COVID-19. "We can longer allow our doctors, our health workers, to be sent to fight without any protection against the virus," FNOMCeO president Filippo Anelli said on the association's website. "It is an unfair fight." Rome's ISS public health institute estimates that 10 per cent of those infected with the novel coronavirus in Italy work in health care. There were 542 deaths from COVID-19 in Italy on Wednesday, lower than the 604 the day before, taking the total death toll to 17,669. There were 3,693 people in intensive care, down from 3,792 on Tuesday - the fifth daily decline in a row. The decline has raised hopes the virus is on the retreat thanks to a nationwide lockdown, though the number of new cases rose 3,836, compared with 3,039 on Tuesday, to reach 139,422, the third-highest globally behind the United States and Spain. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 100 doctors succumb to COVID-19 as Italy death toll crosses over 17,600

China which caused the coronavirus crisis seems to be finding new opportunities with Chinese companies scouting for "distressed assets" in Europe. Also read: UK reports highest one-day deaths as COVID-19 toll surges past 7,000 Distressed companies are those that need money to survive.

China which caused the coronavirus crisis seems to be finding new opportunities with Chinese companies scouting for "distressed assets" in Europe. Also read: UK reports highest one-day deaths as COVID-19 toll surges past 7,000 Distressed companies are those that need money to survive. China is ready to spend and its latest hunting ground is in Europe, countries like Spain and Italy - two of the worst affected countries in the world. First, China exported the virus now, it seeks to profit from it. Chinese companies are already selling coronavirus supplies like masks, ventilators and more. Also read: At least 51 recovered coronavirus patients test positive again in South Korea Now, China aims to take over Europe's businesses. The plan is to buy foreign companies at throwaway prices. Reports suggest global bankers are getting multiple requests. Chinese companies are making queries. They are looking for investment opportunities -- particularly in Europe. It includes China's state-owned enterprises who have been making early headway. First in Australia and now Europe. There is a threat of hostile takeovers the European governments are concerned about, their economies are vulnerable, businesses want bailouts. The companies are easy prey for China with European governments upping their defences. They want to protect companies in key sectors. They are so concerned that in the middle of the deadly pandemic, they are amending laws. European governments are now coming up with new foreign investment rules. In Italy, on Monday, the government announced curbs on foreign takeovers. The decision covers sectors like banks, insurance, energy and healthcare. Spain too has some new rules, if a foreign firm wants to invest more than 10 per cent in a Spanish company, they must get the government's approval. Germany too has passed a similar law.

After coronavirus outbreak, Chinese companies eye European businesses

Italy has so far registered 135,586 confirmed cases of coronavirus, including 17,127 fatalities, according to data from the Civil Protection Department managing the COVID-19 emergency.

Of these, the new active infections registered on Tuesday were 880, bringing the total number of infected people to 94,067. At least 1,555 more people have been cured compared to the previous day, reaching 24,392 in total.

According to Xinhua news agency on Tuesday, the decrease in the trend of new infections is being confirmed, and the number of 880 is the lowest (daily) rise seen since March 10.

There was an increase of 3,039 cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the overall cases to 135,586.

Of those who have tested positive so far, 28,718 are hospitalised in normal wards, 3,792 are in intensive care units, and the remaining 61,557 under home isolation.

The death toll grew by 604 over the last 24 hours. New fatalities registered on a daily basis had been 636 on Monday, and 525 on Sunday.

However, an epidemiologist warned caution, stressing the ISS experts would rather "wait for tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, before eventually heaving a sigh of relief."

As of Tuesday, some 26 nurses and 94 doctors had died since the pandemic hit Italy`s northern regions on Feb. 21, according to data provided by the respective professional associations.

Some five physicians lost their lives over the last 24 hours, the country`s Federation of Medical Associations (Fnomceo) said.

As for nurses, the national staff registered 6,549 infections, with an increase of 1,049 cases compared to last Saturday, Italy's ANSA news agency reported, citing data by the National Federation of Professional Nurses Orders (Fnopi).

 
&nbsp;

Italy has so far registered 135,586 confirmed cases of coronavirus, including 17,127 fatalities, according to data from the Civil Protection Department managing the COVID-19 emergency.

Italy has so far registered 135,586 confirmed cases of coronavirus, including 17,127 fatalities, according to data from the Civil Protection Department managing the COVID-19 emergency. Of these, the new active infections registered on Tuesday were 880, bringing the total number of infected people to 94,067. At least 1,555 more people have been cured compared to the previous day, reaching 24,392 in total. According to Xinhua news agency on Tuesday, the decrease in the trend of new infections is being confirmed, and the number of 880 is the lowest (daily) rise seen since March 10. There was an increase of 3,039 cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the overall cases to 135,586. Of those who have tested positive so far, 28,718 are hospitalised in normal wards, 3,792 are in intensive care units, and the remaining 61,557 under home isolation. The death toll grew by 604 over the last 24 hours. New fatalities registered on a daily basis had been 636 on Monday, and 525 on Sunday. However, an epidemiologist warned caution, stressing the ISS experts would rather "wait for tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, before eventually heaving a sigh of relief." As of Tuesday, some 26 nurses and 94 doctors had died since the pandemic hit Italy`s northern regions on Feb. 21, according to data provided by the respective professional associations. Some five physicians lost their lives over the last 24 hours, the country`s Federation of Medical Associations (Fnomceo) said. As for nurses, the national staff registered 6,549 infections, with an increase of 1,049 cases compared to last Saturday, Italy's ANSA news agency reported, citing data by the National Federation of Professional Nurses Orders (Fnopi).

Italy registers the lowest daily rise in new coronavirus cases in last 24 hrs

Romania is sending a team of medics to Italy to help fight the coronavirus pandemic, President &nbsp;Klaus Iohannis said Monday, despite concerns in his own country over its embattled health system.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-slams-racist-calls-for-africa-to-be-vaccine-testing-ground-290975" hreflang="en">WHO slams 'racist' calls for Africa to be vaccine testing ground</a>

"We talked about how Romania is showing its solidarity and we decided to send a team of doctors and nurses to Italy", Iohannis announced after a meeting with several cabinet ministers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-mosque-converted-into-mask-factory-in-virus-hit-iran-290977" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: Mosque converted into mask factory in virus-hit Iran</a>

Raed Arafat, head of the country's emergency department, said the team is made up of 11 doctors and six nurses from across the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-jordan-becomes-latest-mideast-country-to-deploy-drones-in-virus-response-290973" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: Jordan becomes latest Mideast country to deploy drones in virus response</a>

"They are health workers from intensive care and emergency units who will fly to Milan on a defence ministry plane," Arafat told AFP, adding that they would be sent under the EU's Civil Protection Mechanism for mutual aid in disaster responses.

Since joining the European Union in 2007, Romania has lost thousands of hospital and healthcare workers through emigration, leaving the country's embattled healthcare system even more vulnerable to shortages.

The government has come in for criticism for its reaction to the crisis for being underprepared and not getting sufficient equipment to frontline healthcare staff.&nbsp;

Nonetheless Arafat insisted that the mission to Italy "won't have an impact" on Romania's healthcare system, adding that the team were volunteers.

"The most important thing right now is solidarity. The situation in Italy is more serious now and tomorrow we might be the ones in need of help," Arafat said, adding: "It's only normal we act this way."

Italy's Foreign Minister Luigi di Maio took to Twitter to thank the Romanian government for "accepting our request for help".

Di Maio said the action was an act of "solidarity that fills us with pride".

There are more than 4,000 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Romania so far and 168 people have died.

Iohannis said the state of emergency declared on 16 March to fight COVID-19 will be extended for one more month, starting next week.

"We haven't yet reached the peak of the epidemic. We can't relax now", Iohannis said.

Romania is sending a team of medics to Italy to help fight the coronavirus pandemic, President Klaus Iohannis said Monday, despite concerns in his own country over its embattled health system.

Romania is sending a team of medics to Italy to help fight the coronavirus pandemic, President Klaus Iohannis said Monday, despite concerns in his own country over its embattled health system. Also read: WHO slams 'racist' calls for Africa to be vaccine testing ground "We talked about how Romania is showing its solidarity and we decided to send a team of doctors and nurses to Italy", Iohannis announced after a meeting with several cabinet ministers. Also read: Coronavirus: Mosque converted into mask factory in virus-hit Iran Raed Arafat, head of the country's emergency department, said the team is made up of 11 doctors and six nurses from across the country. Also read: Coronavirus: Jordan becomes latest Mideast country to deploy drones in virus response "They are health workers from intensive care and emergency units who will fly to Milan on a defence ministry plane," Arafat told AFP, adding that they would be sent under the EU's Civil Protection Mechanism for mutual aid in disaster responses. Since joining the European Union in 2007, Romania has lost thousands of hospital and healthcare workers through emigration, leaving the country's embattled healthcare system even more vulnerable to shortages. The government has come in for criticism for its reaction to the crisis for being underprepared and not getting sufficient equipment to frontline healthcare staff. Nonetheless Arafat insisted that the mission to Italy "won't have an impact" on Romania's healthcare system, adding that the team were volunteers. "The most important thing right now is solidarity. The situation in Italy is more serious now and tomorrow we might be the ones in need of help," Arafat said, adding: "It's only normal we act this way." Italy's Foreign Minister Luigi di Maio took to Twitter to thank the Romanian government for "accepting our request for help". Di Maio said the action was an act of "solidarity that fills us with pride". There are more than 4,000 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Romania so far and 168 people have died. Iohannis said the state of emergency declared on 16 March to fight COVID-19 will be extended for one more month, starting next week. "We haven't yet reached the peak of the epidemic. We can't relax now", Iohannis said.

Romania to send medics to Italy to combat coronavirus

Yuvraj along with 218&nbsp;other evacuees was recently evacuated from Italy in a special Air India flight that landed in the national capital on March 15. All 218 evacuees, mostly Indian students were then taken to the ITBP Chhawla quarantine Facility in Delhi. More than 15 thousand people have already lost their lives in Italy, making it the worst-hit region in the world. Italy now accounts for more than 5 times the casualties caused by COVID-19 in Hubei, China's epicentre&nbsp;of the virus.

Yuvraj, whose quarantine time is over already, is still in ITBP Facility because of the lockdown.

“ITBP continues to host us even though the quarantine period got over on the 28th of March as the country remains under lockdown,” he says. “We have been treated nicely from day 1 and they continue to do so till we’re here,” he added.

Yuvraj moved to Italy in the year 2016, in search of a better life and career. He completed his Masters in Building Architecture from Politecnico di Milano, Milan. “I was about to join a company in Italy. When the pandemic got big the company has to close and the company took back the offer. Now I am in the situation that nothing could be done for the next few months and I have lost few months from my timeline,” he said.

Oblivious of the pandemic, Yuvraj was about to join a new job in the first week of March. “Everything changed so quickly that I couldn’t even realize what happened.”

In an exclusive conversation with Praphul Singh from WION, Yuvraj shares his experience of his life in quarantine:

WION: What is your first memory of coronavirus? How did it all start and how quickly it turned from bad to worse?

YUVRAJ: The situation was normal till the mid of February. But when the positive cases started increasing then only we and the people over there came to know that it would get worse. So everyone started making stock of the food products, masks, and sanitizers. Within a week, the number of positive cases increased in great numbers.

WION: When did you finally decide&nbsp;that you want to come back to India?

YUVRAJ: At the beginning of March most of us had slight fever and cold. We knew that it’s because of the sudden change in the weather in Milan. But, we all were scared. I had bad dreams of being tested positive of coronavirus on foreign land, away from my family. I was too scared of being infected. It was then, I decided to return to India.

WION: How were you contacted by the Indian Embassy and evacuated?

YUVRAJ: Actually, I had a return flight to India on March 11 itself. Sadly, the officials along with 120 other passengers didn’t allow us to board the flight until we produced a certificate stating that we were tested negative of COVID-19. We had no option but to return to our homes and wait.&nbsp;

Three days later i.e. on 13th March, we were contacted by the officials from the Indian consulate in Milan and they told us that they are sending a flight the next day. We were brought on by a special flight by Air India on March 15.&nbsp;

Once we were in India, we were taken to the ITBP Chhwala camp and allotted the place. The medical made a swab test and announced the result two days later, in which all of us were tested negative.&nbsp;

WION: Tell us something about your routine while you were quarantined?&nbsp;

YUVRAJ: We were served morning tea at 07:00 am which followed with breakfast from 08:00 – 9:00 am. Daily check-ups happened every day after breakfast which usually took two to three hours every day. Lunch was served every day for one hour from 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM. After lunch, we would either do a little chit-chat with other evacuees or read or sleep. Then we had high-tea served at 4:00 pm followed by dinner at night at around 8:00 PM. We usually went to sleep after that. Most of the time we either watched videos or read books.&nbsp;

Officials at the facility were supportive and adhered to our needs. Wi-fi was arranged on each floor so that students could attend the online classes, while the others could browse the internet to kill time. &nbsp;

WION: How are the facilities in the quarantine centre?

Yuvraj: We were provided with internet facility and were allowed to walk within the floor and meet friends within the floor. We were given masks to wear and asked to maintain social distance even within the facility. Doctors and medical assistance would check on us regularly to make sure if we were okay, and maintaining social distance or not. We were constantly monitored by specialized medical staff to check on any symptoms of coronavirus. Two Psychiatrists were also assigned to our batch to provide consultations to those who felt stressed or depressed.&nbsp;

WION: Are you happy being back in India?

Yuvraj: I am happy but not 100% happy. I wanted to come back when I have a job. But now I have been forced to come back because of coronavirus.&nbsp;

WION: How were things in Italy before you left? Are you in touch with someone in Milan?

Yuvraj: It is daily getting worse in Italy, but there is no problem with food. People are allowed to go and buy groceries from supermarkets, medicine from the pharmacy. As compared to&nbsp;March, now people in Italy are more disciplined and following the laws seriously.

When I was in Italy at the beginning of March I questioned a few old people nearby my house, “Why are people out during this situation since the virus affects the old easily?”&nbsp;They said, "we have survived the two world wars and are confident that we can survive the virus too."

WION: How has your life changed because of coronavirus?&nbsp;

Yuvraj: I don’t see any change in my life apart from uncertainty in my future. I am a job seeker and I don’t know how I am going to survive after the pandemic ends. Right now, I am improving my skills for my career. I hope everything ends soon and everything gets back on track.&nbsp;

Yuvraj along with 218 other evacuees was recently evacuated from Italy in a special Air India flight that landed in the national capital on March 15. All 218 evacuees, mostly Indian students were then taken to the ITBP Chhawla quarantine Facility in Delhi.

Yuvraj along with 218 other evacuees was recently evacuated from Italy in a special Air India flight that landed in the national capital on March 15. All 218 evacuees, mostly Indian students were then taken to the ITBP Chhawla quarantine Facility in Delhi. More than 15 thousand people have already lost their lives in Italy, making it the worst-hit region in the world. Italy now accounts for more than 5 times the casualties caused by COVID-19 in Hubei, China's epicentre of the virus. Yuvraj, whose quarantine time is over already, is still in ITBP Facility because of the lockdown. “ITBP continues to host us even though the quarantine period got over on the 28th of March as the country remains under lockdown,” he says. “We have been treated nicely from day 1 and they continue to do so till we’re here,” he added. Yuvraj moved to Italy in the year 2016, in search of a better life and career. He completed his Masters in Building Architecture from Politecnico di Milano, Milan. “I was about to join a company in Italy. When the pandemic got big the company has to close and the company took back the offer. Now I am in the situation that nothing could be done for the next few months and I have lost few months from my timeline,” he said. Oblivious of the pandemic, Yuvraj was about to join a new job in the first week of March. “Everything changed so quickly that I couldn’t even realize what happened.” In an exclusive conversation with Praphul Singh from WION, Yuvraj shares his experience of his life in quarantine: WION: What is your first memory of coronavirus? How did it all start and how quickly it turned from bad to worse? YUVRAJ: The situation was normal till the mid of February. But when the positive cases started increasing then only we and the people over there came to know that it would get worse. So everyone started making stock of the food products, masks, and sanitizers. Within a week, the number of positive cases increased in great numbers. WION: When did you finally decide that you want to come back to India? YUVRAJ: At the beginning of March most of us had slight fever and cold. We knew that it’s because of the sudden change in the weather in Milan. But, we all were scared. I had bad dreams of being tested positive of coronavirus on foreign land, away from my family. I was too scared of being infected. It was then, I decided to return to India. WION: How were you contacted by the Indian Embassy and evacuated? YUVRAJ: Actually, I had a return flight to India on March 11 itself. Sadly, the officials along with 120 other passengers didn’t allow us to board the flight until we produced a certificate stating that we were tested negative of COVID-19. We had no option but to return to our homes and wait. Three days later i.e. on 13th March, we were contacted by the officials from the Indian consulate in Milan and they told us that they are sending a flight the next day. We were brought on by a special flight by Air India on March 15. Once we were in India, we were taken to the ITBP Chhwala camp and allotted the place. The medical made a swab test and announced the result two days later, in which all of us were tested negative. WION: Tell us something about your routine while you were quarantined? YUVRAJ: We were served morning tea at 07:00 am which followed with breakfast from 08:00 – 9:00 am. Daily check-ups happened every day after breakfast which usually took two to three hours every day. Lunch was served every day for one hour from 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM. After lunch, we would either do a little chit-chat with other evacuees or read or sleep. Then we had high-tea served at 4:00 pm followed by dinner at night at around 8:00 PM. We usually went to sleep after that. Most of the time we either watched videos or read books. Officials at the facility were supportive and adhered to our needs. Wi-fi was arranged on each floor so that students could attend the online classes, while the others could browse the internet to kill time. WION: How are the facilities in the quarantine centre? Yuvraj: We were provided with internet facility and were allowed to walk within the floor and meet friends within the floor. We were given masks to wear and asked to maintain social distance even within the facility. Doctors and medical assistance would check on us regularly to make sure if we were okay, and maintaining social distance or not. We were constantly monitored by specialized medical staff to check on any symptoms of coronavirus. Two Psychiatrists were also assigned to our batch to provide consultations to those who felt stressed or depressed. WION: Are you happy being back in India? Yuvraj: I am happy but not 100% happy. I wanted to come back when I have a job. But now I have been forced to come back because of coronavirus. WION: How were things in Italy before you left? Are you in touch with someone in Milan? Yuvraj: It is daily getting worse in Italy, but there is no problem with food. People are allowed to go and buy groceries from supermarkets, medicine from the pharmacy. As compared to March, now people in Italy are more disciplined and following the laws seriously. When I was in Italy at the beginning of March I questioned a few old people nearby my house, “Why are people out during this situation since the virus affects the old easily?” They said, "we have survived the two world wars and are confident that we can survive the virus too." WION: How has your life changed because of coronavirus? Yuvraj: I don’t see any change in my life apart from uncertainty in my future. I am a job seeker and I don’t know how I am going to survive after the pandemic ends. Right now, I am improving my skills for my career. I hope everything ends soon and everything gets back on track.

EXCLUSIVE- Worried about future, but honing my skills, says Indian coronavirus evacuee from Italy

China has tried to restore its image after lying to the world about the seriousness of its coronavirus outbreak, but its attempts at humanitarianism have turned out to be as slippery as its wet markets.

After COVID-19 made its way to Italy, decimating the country’s significant elderly population, China told the world it would donate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to help Italy stop its spread. Reports later indicated that China had actually sold, not donated, the PPE to Italy.

A senior Trump administration official told that it is much worse than that: China forced Italy to buy back the PPE supply that it gave to China during the initial coronavirus outbreak.

‘Before the virus hit Europe, Italy sent tons of PPE to China to help China protect its own population,’ the administration official explained. ‘China then has sent Italian PPE back to Italy — some of it, not even all of it … and charged them for it.’ 
&nbsp; 
China taking advantage of Italy’s generosity is just the latest example of its disastrous diplomacy in the wake of the pandemic.

Much of the supplies and testing kits China has sold to other countries have turned out to be defective. Spain had to return 50,000 quick-testing kits to China after discovering that they were faulty.

In some cases, instead of apologizing or fixing the issue, China has blamed its defective equipment on others. China condescendingly told the Netherlands to ‘double-check the instructions’ on its masks, for example, after the Netherlands complained that half of the masks they were sent did not meet safety standards.

‘It’s so disingenuous for Chinese officials now to say we are the ones who are helping the Italians or we are the ones who are helping the developing world when, in fact, they are the ones who infected all of us,’ the senior administration official said. ‘Of course, they should be helping. They have a special responsibility to help because they are the ones who began the spread of the coronavirus and did not give the information required to the rest of the world to plan accordingly.’ 
&nbsp; 
The official said China’s disinformation campaign delayed the US response by at least a month, as the coronavirus initially seemed to be a regional issue rather than a global one. As China downplayed the outbreak within its borders, nearly half a million people travelled to the US potentially carrying the virus.

‘The disinformation that China has put out is crippling responses around the world. We were a month behind because the Chinese did not share information,’ according to the official. ‘It’s hard for the world to accept that even the information that they’re putting out now is accurate and acceptable from an epidemiological standpoint. We’re operating on some level with a hand-tied behind our back.’

China has still been underreporting coronavirus cases and deaths, for instance not including asymptomatic COVID-19 cases in its overall case count. The country has also claimed no new deaths from the virus, even as thousands of ash urns are shipped to local hospitals.

China has tried to restore its image after lying to the world about the seriousness of its coronavirus outbreak, but its attempts at humanitarianism have turned out to be as slippery as its wet markets.

China has tried to restore its image after lying to the world about the seriousness of its coronavirus outbreak, but its attempts at humanitarianism have turned out to be as slippery as its wet markets. After COVID-19 made its way to Italy, decimating the country’s significant elderly population, China told the world it would donate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to help Italy stop its spread. Reports later indicated that China had actually sold, not donated, the PPE to Italy. A senior Trump administration official told that it is much worse than that: China forced Italy to buy back the PPE supply that it gave to China during the initial coronavirus outbreak. ‘Before the virus hit Europe, Italy sent tons of PPE to China to help China protect its own population,’ the administration official explained. ‘China then has sent Italian PPE back to Italy — some of it, not even all of it … and charged them for it.’ China taking advantage of Italy’s generosity is just the latest example of its disastrous diplomacy in the wake of the pandemic. Much of the supplies and testing kits China has sold to other countries have turned out to be defective. Spain had to return 50,000 quick-testing kits to China after discovering that they were faulty. In some cases, instead of apologizing or fixing the issue, China has blamed its defective equipment on others. China condescendingly told the Netherlands to ‘double-check the instructions’ on its masks, for example, after the Netherlands complained that half of the masks they were sent did not meet safety standards. ‘It’s so disingenuous for Chinese officials now to say we are the ones who are helping the Italians or we are the ones who are helping the developing world when, in fact, they are the ones who infected all of us,’ the senior administration official said. ‘Of course, they should be helping. They have a special responsibility to help because they are the ones who began the spread of the coronavirus and did not give the information required to the rest of the world to plan accordingly.’ The official said China’s disinformation campaign delayed the US response by at least a month, as the coronavirus initially seemed to be a regional issue rather than a global one. As China downplayed the outbreak within its borders, nearly half a million people travelled to the US potentially carrying the virus. ‘The disinformation that China has put out is crippling responses around the world. We were a month behind because the Chinese did not share information,’ according to the official. ‘It’s hard for the world to accept that even the information that they’re putting out now is accurate and acceptable from an epidemiological standpoint. We’re operating on some level with a hand-tied behind our back.’ China has still been underreporting coronavirus cases and deaths, for instance not including asymptomatic COVID-19 cases in its overall case count. The country has also claimed no new deaths from the virus, even as thousands of ash urns are shipped to local hospitals.

How Beijing’s diplomacy went from bad to worse

Yuvraj along with 218 other evacuees was recently evacuated from Italy in a special Air India flight that landed in the national capital on the 15th of March. All 218 evacuees, mostly Indian students were then taken to the ITBP Chhawla Quarantine Facility in Delhi.

Yuvraj along with 218 other evacuees was recently evacuated from Italy in a special Air India flight that landed in the national capital on the 15th of March. All 218 evacuees, mostly Indian students were then taken to the ITBP Chhawla Quarantine Facility in Delhi. More than 15 thousand people have already lost their lives in Italy, making it the worst-hit region in the world. Italy now accounts for more than 5 times the casualties caused by COVID-19 in Hubei, China- the epicenter of the virus. Yuvraj, whose quarantine time is over already, is still in ITBP Facility because of the lockdown. “ITBP continues to host us even though the quarantine period got over on the 28th of March as the country remains under lockdown,” he says. “We have been treated nicely from day 1 and they continue to do so till we’re here,” he added. Yuvraj moved to Italy in the year 2016, in search of a better life and career. He completed his Master’s Graduation in Building Architecture from Politecnico di Milano, Milan. “I was about to join a company in Italy. When the pandemic got big the company has to close and the company took back the offer. Now I am in the situation that nothing could be done for the next few months and I have lost few months from my timeline,” he said. Oblivious of the pandemic, Yuvraj was about to join a new job in the first week of March. “Everything changed so quickly that I couldn’t even realize what happened.” In an exclusive conversation with Praphul Singh from WION, Yuvraj shares his experience of his life in Quarantine: WION: What is your first memory of CORONAVIRUS? How did it all start and how quickly did it went from bad to worse? YUVRAJ: The situation was normal till the mid of February. But when the positive cases started increasing then only we and the people over there come to know that it would get worse. So everyone started making stock of the food products, masks, and sanitizers. Within a week the spike of positive cases increased a lot. WION: When did you finally decided that you want to come back to India? YUVRAJ: At the beginning of March most of us had slight fever and cold. We knew that it’s because of the sudden change in the weather in Milan. But, we all were scared. I had bad dreams of being tested positive of coronavirus on foreign land, away from my family. I was too scared of being infected. It was then, I decided to return to India. WION: How were you contacted by the Indian Embassy and evacuated? YUVRAJ: Actually, I had a return flight to India on the 10th of March itself. Sadly, the officials along with 120 other passengers didn’t allow us to board the flight until we produced a certificate stating that we were tested negative of COVID-19. We had no option but to return to our homes and wait. Three days later i.e. on 13th March, we were contacted by the officials from the Indian consulate in Milan and they told that they are sending a flight the next day i.e. on 14th March. We were brought on a special flight by Air India on the 15th of March. Once we were in India, we were taken to the ITBP Chhwala camp and allotted the place. The medical made a swab test and announced the result two days later, in which all of us were tested negative. WION: Tell us something about your routine while you were quarantined? YUVRAJ: We were served morning tea at 07:00 am which followed with breakfast from 08:00 – 9:00 am. Daily check-ups happened every day after breakfast which usually took two to three hours every day. Lunch was served every day for one hour from 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM. After lunch, we would either do a little chit-chat with other evacuees or read or sleep. Then we had high-tea served at 4:00 PM which followed by dinner at night, at around 8:00 PM. We usually went to sleep after that. Most of the time we either watched videos or read books. Officials at the facility were supportive and adhered to our needs. Wi-fi was arranged on each floor so that students could attend the online classes, while the others could browse the internet to kill time. WION: How are the facilities in the quarantine Center? Yuvraj: We were provided with internet facility and were allowed to walk within the floor and meet friends within the floor. We were given masks to wear and asked to maintain social distance even within the facility. Doctors and medical assistance would check on us regularly to make sure if we were okay, and maintaining social distance or not. We were constantly monitored by specialized medical staff to check on any symptoms of coronavirus. Two Psychiatrists were also assigned to our batch to provide consultations to those who felt stressed or depressed. WION: Are you happy being back in India? Yuvraj: I am happy but not 100% happy. I wanted to come back when I have a job. But now I have been forced to come back because of Coronavirus. WION: How were things in Italy before you left? Are you in touch with someone in Milan? Yuvraj: It is getting worse in Italy day by day, but there is no problem with food. People are allowed to go and buy groceries from supermarkets, medicine from the pharmacy. Comparing march month now people in Italy are more disciplined and following the laws seriously. When I was in Italy at the beginning of march I questioned a few old people nearby my house, “Why are people out during this situation since the virus affects the old easily?”, I asked. They said, "we have survived the two world wars and are confident that we can survive the virus too." WION: How has your life changed because of Coronavirus? Yuvraj: I don’t see any change in my life apart from uncertainty in my future. I am a job seeker and I don’t know how I am going to survive after the pandemic ends. Right now, I am improving my skills for my career. I hope everything ends soon and everything gets back on track.

'I lost my job to Coronavirus and now I am uncertain about my future,' says Yuvraj, Indian evacuated from Italy

Spain said on Saturday that it would extend its lockdown by two weeks to April 25 after the number of coronavirus cases surpassed those in Italy.

Spain extends lockdown across country till April 25

Meet Bob the deer. Months-old fawn has adopted an Italian family living in the rolling hills of Tuscany on the outskirts of Florence. Italy is under a strict lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, but the ban does not extend to animals and the young fawn appears to have adopted the family - especially its dog.

The deer that thinks it’s a dog: fawn adopts Italian family during covid lockdown

The global death toll due to the lethal coronavirus has surpassed 64,000. Over 708 new COVID-19 deaths have been reported in UK in 24 hours. Despite several warnings from authorities to stay at home, people are not following guidelines.

UK residents hit beaches, parks amid lockdown | Coronavirus Pandemic

Queen Elizabeth II is set to address to the nation and commonwealth countries about the coronavirus pandemic. In the message, the Queen will urge people to rise to the challenge posed by the coronavirus outbreak and will personally thank frontline healthcare staff and other key workers for their efforts during the crisis.

Queen Elizabeth II to address nation over COVID-19

The global death toll due to the lethal coronavirus has surpassed 64,000. Reports suggests that 85% of COVID-19 deaths in Europe has occurred in Spain, Italy, France and United Kingdom.

Over 708 new COVID-19 deaths reported in UK in 24 hours

An Italian policeman who worked in Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte's security detail died Saturday after contracting the novel coronavirus, news agency AFP reported quoting country's police force.

An Italian policeman who worked in Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte's security detail died Saturday after contracting the novel coronavirus, news agency AFP reported quoting country's police force. When officer Giorgio Guastamacchia tested positive on March 21, he had not been in contact with Conte for at least two weeks., the Italian government officials said. The Corriere della Sera reported at the time that Conte, 55, was tested as a precaution, turning up a negative result for the virus. The head of the Italian police force expressed his condolences for 52-year-old Guastamacchia. Italy has recorded the world's largest number of official COVID-19 fatalities and is on course to surpass 15,000 deaths this weekend. (With inputs from AFP)

Officer in Italian PM's security detail dies of coronavirus 

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