Number of COVID-19 cases tops 300,000 mark in Italy

The number of COVID-19 cases in Italy crossed the 300,000 mark on Tuesday, as the country reported 1,392 new cases.

According to Health Ministry data, 14 people lost their lives to the virus, down from 17 reported on Monday.

The death toll rose to 35,738, while the number of recoveries in the country stands at 219,670.

Speaking to InBlu Radio, Deputy Health Minister Pierpaolo Sileri said the infections will continue to rise, but this will be under control and monitoring.

Sileri said the virus will overlap with flu symptoms but this should not cause worry, adding that the second wave will not be like the one from February and March, as people now follow precautions such as wearing masks, social distancing, and hygiene.

Worldwide, the death toll from COVID-19 stands at nearly 967,000 in 188 countries, with the number of infections at over 31.4 million, according to the latest figures from the US' Johns Hopkins University.