ROME – Italy’s death rate from Covid-19 soared to 137 deaths in one day so far this week, the highest number this year, health authorities said.

 Monday saw 6,213 new cases and the positivity rate up to 4.8 percent - double that of a month ago.

 On Thursday the Italian government may decide to enforce new restrictive measures in an effort to limit the spread of infection, with Omicron cases having increased tenfold in two weeks. These may include reinstating the requirement to wear face masks outdoors and imposing the Super Green Pass for all workers.

 Meanwhile, currently 74 percent of those in hospital intensive care units are unvaccinated.

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