Huge jump in Italy coronavirus death toll

Medical workers in protective suits check a document as they treat patients suffering with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in an intensive care unit at the Casalpalocco hospital, a hospital in Rome that has been dedicated to treating cases of the disease, Italy, March 24, 2020. /Reuters

Italy reported 743 new corona-virus deaths on Tuesday ending a two day streak of declining totals.

The total of confirmed cases in the country come to 69,176 and a death toll to 6,820, said the Civil Protection Agency.

On Monday 602 people died following 650 deaths on Sunday and 793 on Saturday - the highest daily figure since the disease came to light on Feb. 21.

The total number of confirmed cases in Italy rose with an 8.2 % increase in line with Monday's growth rate from a previous 63,927 to 69,176, according to the Agency.

Lombardy remains the hardest hit northern region with a total of 4,178 deaths and 30,703 cases. That compared with 3,776 deaths and 28,761 cases reported up to Monday.

Source(s): Reuters