Coronavirus cases reach 143,626 in Italy, pressure on hospitals decrease
ROME -- The coronavirus pandemic has claimed 18,279 lives in lockeddown Italy, bringing the total number of infections, fatalities and recoveries to 143,626 by Thursday, according to the latest data released by the country’s Civil Protection Department.
Thursday saw 610 new fatalities and 1,979 new recoveries, raising the total recoveries to 28,470. Addressing a televised press conference, Civil Protection Department Chief Angelo Borrelli said 1,615 new active infections were registered compared to Wednesday, bringing the nationwide total to 96,877 infections.
Of those infected, 28,399 are hospitalized, 86 fewer from the previous day; 3,605 are in intensive care, 88 fewer; and 64,873 are isolated at home, said Borrelli who also serves as extraordinary commissioner for the coronavirus emergency. According to Borrelli, the numbers in the last days confirmed that pressure on the national health system, and especially on hospitals in the most affected regions some northern and central areas of the country -was decreasing.
“The past five
days,
four have ended with fewer patients hospitalized compared to the previous day,” Franco Locatelli, president of Italy’s Higher Health Council, told reporters at the same press conference. “As for the number of patients admitted to intensive care, five days out of last five ended up with a drop compared to the previous day, and this proves the reduction in the pressure on hospitals mentioned by the commissioner,” the expert stressed.
As of Thursday, some 105 doctors were among the victims of the pandemic, according to fresh data provided by
Italy’s National Federation of Orders of Surgeons and Dentists (FNOMCeO). That is in addition to more than 30 nurses and other medical staff who have died. According to information from the High Institute of Health, more than 13,500 health workers have been infected with the coronavirus. According to FNOMCeO President Filippo Anelli, the list of deceased doctors includes several who came out of retirement to help fight the spread of the virus.
(Xinhua)