There were 20 fewer active cases of coronavirus in Italy on Monday than there were on Sunday, according to the latest official figures from the civil protection agency: 108,237 compared to 108,257.
“For the first time, we have seen a new positive development: the number of [people] currently positive has declined,” head of the agency, Angelo Borrelli, told reporters.
Overall, however, the total number of confirmed cases – including people who have recovered or died – continued to increase, though at a slower rate.
That total rose by 2256 between Sunday and Monday, making 181,228 cases reported since the outbreak began.
The daily increase in total cases continues to slow, falling by nearly 800 compared to the previous 24 hours.
The number is now growing by less than 1.7 per cent per day.
Another 454 deaths were reported on Monday, a slight increase from 433 in the 24 hours before.
In total 24,114 people are now known to have died in Italy since contracting the coronavirus, though the true figure is likely higher.
Meanwhile 1822 more people recovered in the past 24 hours, making a total of 48,877.
Two Italian regions reported no new cases on Monday: Basilicata in the south and Valle d’Aosta in the north-west.
The central Italian regions of Umbria and Molise recorded just one and two new cases respectively, while Calabria registered three.
Italy’s nationwide lockdown is due to expire on May 4, though some restrictions are expected to stay in place for several more months.
The government has not yet announced which measures will be lifted from May.
While some are pushing for businesses to resume operating in order to alleviate the economic consequences of Italy’s lockdown, doctors are urging caution and a carefully staggered restart.
