Italy reports 195 new deaths, gov't to unveil economic plan

By Giada Zampano

ROME (AA) - Italy on Wednesday reported 195 new fatalities from coronavirus, bringing the death toll to 31,106, as the government found an agreement on the much-awaited economic package needed to face the heavy fallout from the pandemic.

Data released by Italy’s Civil Protection Department confirmed the peak of the outbreak has been left behind, but the focus has now shifted to the social and economic consequences of the two-months long lockdown.

The tally of active infections on Wednesday fell by 2,809, putting the total at 78,457.

Meanwhile, recoveries continued to climb, jumping to 112,541, as more patients left intensive care, easing pressure on Italy's overwhelmed health care system.

The epicenter of the Italian outbreak remains the northern Lombardy region, where fatalities have kept rising to reach 15,185, almost half of the country's total deaths.

The lockdown measures were partially relaxed starting on May 4 and are scheduled to be further eased in gradual steps: first on May 18 for retailers, and on June 1 for bars and restaurants. Schools will stay closed until September, while travel between regions -- except for justified reasons -- is still banned.

The government remains under deep pressure to deliver a new package of economic measures, worth up to €55 billion ($60 billion), which should include new liquidity for struggling firms and welfare support for citizens hit hard by the emergency.

After several postponements, the Cabinet met on Wednesday to discuss the measures, after a difficult compromise was reached between the parties forming the fragile ruling coalition. It is now expected to unveil the full package by Thursday.

The government, however, is still struggling to find all the financial resources needed to fund this costly economic plan.