ITALY’S coronavirus death toll climbed overnight by 837 to 12,428 — but a fall in the virus raged Lombardy region offers hope.
The rise in deaths comes as the country extended its lockdown until Easter as the Covid-19 crisis continues to grip the nation.
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The number of new cases was broadly steady, growing by 4,053 against 4,050 on yesterday, and bringing total infections since the outbreak came to light on February 21 to 105,792.
Some 5,217 new cases were registered on Sunday and 5,974 on Saturday.
But, perhaps a reason for hope, the daily tally of deaths in Lombardy — the worst-affected region — declined sharply and new infections were also down for at least the third day running.
It is hoped this suggests the situation is improving there faster than elsewhere in the country.
In neighbouring Piedmont, on the other hand, the daily death toll of 105 was up sharply from yesterday.
Of those originally infected nationwide, 15,729 had fully recovered today, compared to 14,620 the day before.
There were 4,023 people in intensive care, up from a previous 3,981.
ITALY'S DEATH TOLL STILL WORLD'S WORST
Italy has registered more deaths than anywhere else in the world and accounts for about 30 per cent of all global fatalities.
Its largest daily toll from the five-week-old epidemic was registered on Friday, when 919 people died.
There were 889 deaths on Saturday, 756 on Sunday and 812 on Monday.
Meanwhile in Spain, the second worst hit in Europe and third in the world, the virus claimed the lives of 849 people in Spain in 24 hours setting a disturbing new record.
The country has a death toll of 8,189 making it the second-worst hit in the world behind Italy.
The daily number of people dying over the last few days is horrifying with 812 dead yesterday while 838 on Sunday.
But, authorities have confirmed that the past 24 hours has been the deadliest day in Spain so far with 849 casualties.
The number of people infected by COVID-19 in the country is 94,417 while a total of 5,607 currently need intensive care treatment.
Spain is taking a series of actions to combat the spread of the virus.
The country is in the third week of a state of emergency which has meant the closure of theatres, restaurants, nightclubs and clothes shops.
On March 14, the free movement of people was also limited to prevent people going out for a jog or cycle ride.
The Madrid-based government subsequently tightened the lockdown by ordering all but non-essential workers to stay indoors.
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