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Italy suffers unprecedented rates of coronavirus cases

ROME, Oct 25 (KUNA) -- Italy on Sunday reported 21,000 new coronavirus infections, registering unprecedented rates of cases, and 126 deaths from the pandemic in the last 24 hours.
Today's rise in cases is more 19,000 than the ones in the previous day, the Ministry of Health said in its daily statistics. The new figures raised the confirmed cases to 525,782 and the death toll to 37,338 since the outbreak of the virus, it added.
There are 12,006 patients receiving treatment in hospitals, it said.
As a result, the government approved a new decree imposing a partial lockdown of cultural and sports activities, and an early night closure of restaurants and cafes to curb the spread of the virus.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said at a press conference held at the Chigi palace said that the latest epidemical reports reflect an increasing rise that has affected the health sector with worrying levels.
He pointed to the approval of more restrict measures which will be come into effect late Sunday and until November 24, stressing that these steps aim to avoid a general lockdown during Christmas celebrations.
The additional measures include the closure of restaurants, cafes, bars and pizza restaurants at 6:p.m., with a complete shutdown on Sundays except for restaurants.
The procedures also include banning celebrations, and the closure of cinemas, theaters, casinos, gyms, swimming pools and spas.
Citizens are advised no to move via public or private transportation except for work, study, health conditions or necessary cases.
The new decree allowed online study for secondary schools and universities not less than 75 percent of the total hours, while schools will remain open.
Over the last days, Italy has been witnessing a growing numbers of coronavirus infections, moving from (R-0 to R-1.25).(end) mn.hm