Coronavirus: in Italy we return to caution after a slight increase in cases

Authorities have reminded people in Italy to follow three basic health precautions as the number of infections has increased slightly.

Italy reported an increase in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases on Thursday, which means that infections increased in the country for the second consecutive day.

306 cases were detected in 24 hours, compared to 280 on Wednesday and 128 on Tuesday, according to data from the Civil Protection Agency,

Officials also reported 10 deaths attributed to Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, with a total death toll rising to 35.092.

There are currently 12.404 known positive cases in Italy and 49 patients are in intensive care.

While many Italian regions recently recorded zero new cases, on Thursday only one region, Valle d'Aosta, had no new positives in the past 24 hours.

Of the 306 cases identified, 82 were in Lombardy, 55 in Emilia Romagna, 30 in the Autonomous Province of Trento, 26 in Lazio, 22 in Veneto, 16 in Campania, 15 in Liguria and 10 in Abruzzo. All other regions experienced a one-digit increase.

The ministry of health said that the situation in Italy remains "extremely fluid", stating that Thursday's figures "show that the Covid-19 epidemic in Italy is not over yet".

"In some regions there are reports of new cases imported from another region and / or from a foreign country."

Last Thursday, Health Minister Roberto Speranza warned in a radio interview that a second wave after the year was "possible" and urged people to continue taking three "essential" measures to reduce the risk: wearing signs, washing hands regularly and social distance.

Tuesday had said that while Italy is now "out of the storm" and in the worst case of a health emergency, people in the country must remain cautious.

He confirmed that ministers are still debating whether or not to extend the current state of emergency in Italy beyond the current cut-off date of 31 July.

It is widely expected to be extended until October 31st although this has not yet been officially confirmed.