Italy death toll ‘19,000 higher than official figure’
ITALY’S death toll from coronavirus could be nearly 19,000 higher than the official figure of more than 32,000, according to officials.
The country’s largest social security and welfare institute has said in a new study that the death figures used by the government were not “reliable”.
The Istituto Nazionale della Previdenza Sociale’s report showed that more than 156,000 deaths were recorded in Italy in March and April — nearly 47,000 higher than the average number for those months recorded between 2015 and 2019. But only 28,000 deaths linked to coronavirus were reported during that period by the Civil Protection Agency, whose toll forms the basis of national statistics, the INPS said. That meant there were nearly 19,000 more deaths than normal during this period, with the vast majority, 18,412, recorded in the coronavirus-ravaged north of the country.
In France, authorities said they have observed no rise in the number of people infected with coronavirus 10 days after the country ended its lockdown.
Health minister Olivier Veran said the number of Covid-19 patients arriving each day at hospitals is falling, along with people in intensive care units.
He cautioned that “this doesn’t mean the virus isn’t there” as the country gradually lifts restrictions. New clusters of cases have been discovered among slaughterhouse workers in western France and police in northern France.
France has reported at least 180,000 cases of the virus and more than 28,000 deaths. In Paris, dozens of healthcare workers were fined and three arrested yesterday as hundreds ignored social distancing rules during a protest for better pay.
Poland plans to extend a ban on international flights by two weeks until June 6, state-run news agency PAP reported today. A ban on domestic flights will be extended by eight days until May 31. Poland has reported nearly 20,000 cases and 965 deaths. Meanwhile, Serbia’s Prime Minister Ana Brnabic says its internationally-renowned Exit music festival should be allowed to take place in August rather than July.