Italy Reports 475 New COVID-19 Deaths, Highest One-day Toll of Any Other Nation

By Staff, Agencies

Italy reported 475 new deaths from COVID-19 Wednesday, the highest one-day official toll of any nation since the first case originated in China late last year.

Total fatalities in the country have reached 2,978, more than half of all the cases recorded outside China, while the number of infections reached 35,713.

The previous record high of 368 deaths was also recorded in Italy, on Sunday.

Authorities have enforced a strict lockdown on more than 60 million people to attempt to curb the spread of the virus.  

"The main thing is, do not give up," Chief of Italian National Institute of Health Silvio Brusaferro said in a televised press conference, adding, "It will take a few days before we see the benefits" of the shutdown.

"We must maintain these measures to see their effect, and above all to protect the most vulnerable," he added.

Belgium followed Italy, Spain and France in ordering its citizens to stay at home until April 5, except for medical attention, getting exercise or working in businesses deemed essential.