The nation’s civil protection agency reported 437 people had died with the virus in the last 24 hours – a 1.7 per cent increase in the death toll to 25,085.

The number of positive cases also rose 1.5 per cent to 183,857.

Pressure on Italy’s health services has continued to ease, with fewer people both hospitalised and in intensive care.

Italy’s interior minister, meanwhile, confirmed that none of some 150 migrants rescued by an aid group and quarantined at sea have tested positive for the virus.

Figures are being watched closely by the Italian government as it considers which restrictions to lift and which to extend when the nation’s current lockdown expires on May 3.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has promised to outline his plan for the next stage in Italy’s battle against the virus by the end of the week.

He met with regional and labour union leaders on Wednesday to prepare for a possible easing of some of the strictest measures.

Italy’s national lockdown is the longest one currently in force anywhere in the world.