ROME – The number of new positive cases declared in Italy in the last 24 hours reached 947 with nine deaths as regions Lazio and Lombardy saw large increases, declared by the Ministry of Health. 

 The number represents the highest amount of new positive cases in Italy since May 14 and although 6,000 fewer tests were carried out than Thursday, there was an increase of 102 new positive cases. The three regions to declare the biggest jumps were Lombardy, which saw 174 new cases, Lazio, 137, and Veneto, 115. 

 Earlier on Friday, Italian research foundation, Gimbe, has calculated the 140% increase from data between Aug. 12 and 18 compared to July 15 to 21, reports Il fatto quotidiano. President of The Gimbe Foundation, Nino Cartabellotta, said that "The progressively upward trend in new cases is confirmed, whether these be native, imported (foreigners) or from re-entry into Italy by Italians gone on holiday abroad." 845 new cases of Coronavirus were declared in Italy on Thursday, the highest number since May 16.

 The stark increase in cases over the last few weeks has reached its highest point to date with the sixth consecutive day of an increase in cases. The viral load in the most recent swabs of those positive is increasing, reports Il fatto quotidiano. The average age of those who have contracted the virus has new gone down to 30 according to the ISS, the Higher Institute of Health. 

 Only two regions in Italy did not report a new case, the Valle d'Aosta and Basilicata. The regions of Campania, Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna saw more than 50 new cases. In Sardinia, where 470 people in the resort of Santo Stefano have been forced to isolate after a seasonal worker contracted the virus, there were 42 new cases.

 Wednesday saw the most amount of tests carried out in a single day with 71,000 swabs. According to experts the development of the virus in Italy demonstrates a “significant increase in the curve of those contagious,” reports Il fatto quotidiano. This upward curve, allied with the accelerating spread of the virus around the world, has prompted fears of a second wave and a potential new general lockdown in Italy. The Minister of Regional Affairs in Italy, Francesco Boccia, on Wednesday attempted to lessen concerns over that possibility and pointed at local lockdowns as a solution, saying “It will depend upon our behaviour.”

 More than half of new cases are reportedly coming from those returning from holiday. Italy recently introduced obligatory tests or quarantine for those returning from Spain, Croatia, Greece and Malta.

 On Wednesday the appeal against the closure of all discotheques and dance venues across Italy was rejected by the regional administrative court of Lazio, another measure that has been brought in after the increase in cases over the holiday period.

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