Deaths from the Covid-19 pandemic in Italy climbed by 420, the smallest daily tally since March 19, the Civil Protection Agency said, but the number of new infections rose to 3,021 from 2,646 on Thursday.

The total number of fatalities since the outbreak came to light on Feb 21 now stands at 25,969, the agency said, the second highest in the world after that of the United States.

Reuters reported that the number of confirmed cases is 192,994, the third highest global tally behind those of the United States and Spain.