There were 619 deaths in Italy from people testing positive for coronavirus over the last 24 hours, but a further 2,079 were given the all-clear.

The death toll in the country has now reached 19,468 out of a total 152,271 total cases.

The number of people who have made a full recovery continues to rise, with another 2,079 patients given the all-clear since Friday.

Intensive care unit beds continue to be freed up, with 116 more available since yesterday, easing the pressure off the healthcare system.

A further 1,996 tested positive for COVID-19, out of 56,609 tests performed in one day.

Lombardy remains the epicentre, with 273 of the 619 deaths registered in that region.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte extended the lockdown order until May 3, but it’s widely believed Italy will enter Phase 2 from May 4.