'It's up to you': Italians get key message as two-month lockdown enters final day

As Italy gears up to ease lockdown measures amid a steady decline in the coronavirus figures, the country's emergency response commissioner Domenico Arcuri urged people to not lower their guards and continue taking preventive measures.

"On Monday, Phase Two begins. We have to be aware that it will be the start of an even bigger challenge," emergency response commissioner Domenico Arcuri said at a press conference.

"We must maintain social distancing, maximum hygiene levels, and masks. We've done our bit to the best of our ability. From Monday, it's up to you," he said, urging citizens to "not lower your guards."

Italy will ease the two-month nationwide lockdown imposed to contain the spread of novel coronavirus that has killed 28,710 people in the country, second highest after the United States.

Under the new relaxations, Italians would be allowed to stroll in parks and meet relatives. Restaurants can offer takeaway services and wholesale stores can reopen.

However, the country's death toll jumped by the highest number since April 21 on Saturday with 474 new deaths.

But, the higher number could also be because of the previous uncounted fatalities that are now added.

Also, the trends two days before the easing of lockdown suggesta continual reduction in the number of infections and deaths.