Italy extends coronavirus lockdown until April 13

Italy has announced the decision to extend the lockdown till April 13, despite latest data suggesting that the pace of growth in new cases has slowed down.

"We must not confuse the first positive signals with an ‘all clear’ signal. Data shows that we are on the right path and that the drastic decisions are bearing fruit," Health Minister Roberto Speranza told the upper house Senate.

The new infections came in at 4,053 on Tuesday, with deaths remaining largely steady at over 800 a day.

He added that the "battle [against the virus] is still very long."

So far, the country has recorded more than 105,000 cases and the death toll crossing 12,000.