Coronavirus: Italy coronavirus deaths rise 25% to 1,809

The death toll due to coronavirus in Italy increased by 368 to 1,809 on Sunday, according to official data. The total number of confirmed cases in Italy rose to 24,747 on Sunday from 21,157 reported on Saturday.

This is the highest number yet, bringing the total number to 1,809.

The number of positive cases rose to 24,747 from 21,157 a day earlier as Europe’s worst outbreak of the deadly virus continued to expand.

Yesterday, authorities announced that 175 had been killed by the Sars-like disease in the past 24 hours.

The country has been put on lockdown with strict emergency measures in place.

Bars, restaurants, sports stadiums, schools and cinemas have been shut down and people who refuse to self-isolate knowing they are infected with Covid-19 could face legal action.

Pope Francis for the second Sunday delivered his noon remarks from inside the Apostolic Library at the Vatican.

He praised people who might risk contagion to help the poor and homeless.

The Vatican later confirmed Holy Week ceremonies would take place without the ‘physical presence of the faithful.’