Rome, Mar 19: Italy on Wednesday reported 475 new deaths from the novel coronavirus, the highest one-day official toll of any nation since the first case was detected in China late last year.
The total number of deaths in Italy has reached 2,978, more than half of all the cases recorded outside China, while the number of infections stood at 35,713.
The previous record high of 368 deaths was also recorded in Italy, on Sunday. The nation of 60 million has now recorded 34.2 percent of all the deaths officially attributed to COVID-19 across the world.
With the death rate still climbing despite the Mediterranean country entering a second week under an effective lockdown, officials urged Italians to have faith and to stay strong.
"They main thing is, do not give up," Italian National Institute of Health chief Silvio Brusaferro said in a nationally televised press conference.
"It will take a few days before we see the benefits" of containment measures, said Brusaferro. "We must maintain these measures to see their effect, and above all to protect the most vulnerable."
Imposed nationally on March 12, the shutdown of most Italian businesses and a ban on public gatherings are due to expire on March 25.
But school closures and other measures, such as a ban fan attendance at sporting events, are due to run on until April 3.
A top government minister hinted Wednesday that the school closure would be extended well into next month, if not longer.
The rates within Italy itself remained stable, with two-thirds of the deaths -- 1,959 in all -- reported in the northern Lombardy region around Milan, the Italian financial and fashion capital.
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Biggest joke of the year......
People lost all expectation in sanghi sarkar Looting poor people and blaming karnataka which is india's no.1 govt.
fenku gang leader Modi shows only fingers..........
People specially Bhakts has a lot of expectations from Fenku. But you have made them disappointment. People of karnataka aware of the good work done by congress and siddaramaiyah. So no need your explation on this. Better look at you work and complete your rule till 2019. After 2019 people of india will show you what they will expect from New PM. Abki baar BJP ki haar.
We neven expect any thing from Congress rule our elected candidates are well aware they know very well about Karnataka. If they misuse their power next termthey are in THIPPE GHUNDI in trach can. Same we all given to previous bjp govt. So here we not require any jumla baaji.
We at at Karnataka want developemnet employment and facility .
Jai Hind ! Jai Karnataka !
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