Prognosis

Italy Reports Fewest New Virus Cases in Nearly Six Weeks

Italy reported the fewest new coronavirus cases in nearly six weeks as government advisers urge caution before any easing of a nationwide lockdown that’s paralyzing the economy.

A man stands in the shadow of St. Peter's Basilica colonnade in the Vatican City during coronavirus lockdown in Rome on April 11.Photographer: Giulio Napolitano/Bloomberg

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By John Follain

April 20, 2020 at 4:15 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Italy reported the fewest new coronavirus cases in nearly six weeks as government advisers urge caution before any easing of a nationwide lockdown that’s paralyzing the economy.

There were 2,256 new cases of the disease, compared with 3,047 a day earlier, according to the civil protection agency. That’s the lowest figure since March 10. Confirmed cases now total 181,228.

Italy registered 454 deaths linked to the virus, compared with 433 the day before. That brings the total number of fatalities to 24,114.