Italy reported 753 more coronavirus-related deaths on Wednesday, the highest daily figure since the start of the second pandemic wave. According to the latest Health Ministry data, the death toll in Italy now stands at 47,217, the second-highest in Europe after the UK.
42 PERCENT OF ALL INTENSIVE CARE UNITS ARE OCCUPIED
The Health Ministry also reported 34,282 more infections, about 6.5% higher than Tuesday.
Despite the surging number of daily fatalities, experts confirmed that the curve of contagion seems to have reached “a plateau” and could start falling in the next few weeks.
Another positive sign came from the infection rate, which on Wednesday remained stable below 15%, after having hovered around 17% in the past week, showing that the virus is now circulating at a slower pace.
The most worrying data remains the occupancy rate of intensive therapy units, with health officials stressing that 42% of all ICUs in the country are occupied with coronavirus patients, well above the 30% critical threshold.
Health Minister Roberto Speranza said on Wednesday that the slowdown in the contagion curve indicates that the partial lockdown measures imposed in many regions are producing the first results. He added, however, that the situation remains serious and that “patience is needed.”
With most Italian hospitals overwhelmed by coronavirus patients, the government in early November toughened restrictions in six regions, which are now classified as high-risk “red zones,” introducing a three-tier system that has been opposed by many regional governors.