Italy announces 627 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours

There have been 627 coronavirus-related deaths in 24 hours in Italy.

The total number of cases rose to 47,021 from a previous 41,035, an increase of 14.6%, the Civil Protection Agency said.

The hardest-hit northern region of Lombardy remains in a critical situation, with 2,549 deaths and 22,264 cases.

Of those originally infected nationwide, 5,129 had fully recovered on Friday compared to 4,440 the day before. There were 2,655 people in intensive care.