Italy reports first decrease in active COVID-19 cases

Italy has reported its first decrease in active COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began in February, with intensive care admissions also hitting a one-month low, signaling potential benefits from the nationwide lockdown.

The civil protection service reported a decrease of 20 active cases, bringing the total to 108,237 individuals currently infected.

Despite the drop in active cases, Italy's death toll increased by 454, reaching a total of 24,114, making it the second-highest globally.

Official figures are believed to be underestimates, as deaths outside hospitals and among less severely ill patients are not always counted.

The decline in current cases provides crucial data for the government's decision-making process regarding the easing of lockdown measures, which are set to expire on May 4.

The prolonged lockdown has had a significant economic impact, with an estimated half of Italy's workforce seeking government assistance.

Scientists are advocating for psychological assessments of the population to gauge the effects of prolonged confinement.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is expected to announce new social guidelines this week, potentially including these psychological tests.

Some regions have begun cautiously reopening certain businesses, such as bookshops, to test the implementation of social distancing measures.

The government faces the challenge of reopening the economy and lifting restrictions without a cure or vaccine for the virus.