Deaths from the Covid-19 pandemic in Italy have risen by 604, a lower daily tally than the 636 seen the day before, while the number of new cases posted the smallest increase since March 13.

The total death toll in the world’s hardest-hit country since its outbreak came to light on Feb 21 rose to 17,127, the Civil Protection Agency said.

The total number of confirmed cases increased by 3,039 to 135,586, the second successive daily decline, underscoring growing confidence that the illness is on the retreat thanks to a nationwide lockdown introduced on March 9.

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