Deaths from the Covid-19 epidemic in Italy climbed by 47 on Friday, against 66 the day before, the Civil Protection Agency said, while the daily tally of new cases decreased to 251 from 333 on Thursday, Reuters reported.

The total death toll since the outbreak came to light on Feb 21 now stands at 34,561 the agency said — the fourth highest in the world after those of the United States, Brazil and Britain.

The number of confirmed cases amounts to 238,011 — the eighth highest global tally.

People registered as currently carrying the illness fell to 21,543 from 23,101 the day before.