Coronavirus: Italy registers lowest one-day death toll in six weeks
Coronavirus in Italy
A total of 260 people died from COVID-19 in Italy in the last 24 hours -- the lowest one-day death toll since March 15, bringing the tally to 26,644 as of Sunday.
According to latest data released by the country's Civil Protection Department, the number of new cases also fell with 2,324 reported over the last 24 hours, 33 fewer than on Saturday. The figure is the lowest in six days.
Also, the number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care units (ICUs) continued to decline, a trend that started three weeks ago. On Sunday, 2,009 patients were in ICUs, down from 2,102 a day earlier.
Italy entered into a nationwide lockdown on March 10 to contain the spread of coronavirus. The lockdown, which is expected to last until May 3, will be followed by a "Phase Two", which involves "the gradual resumption of social, economic and productive activities," the Italian government has explained. Schools in the country, however, would remain closed until September.
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is expected to address the nation later on Sunday.