Deaths from the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy climbed by 415 on Saturday

Deaths from the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy climbed by 415 on Saturday, the smallest daily tally since March 17, the Civil Protection Agency said.

The number of new infections was also the lowest in five days at 2,357 from 3,021 on Friday.

Saturday's death toll was slightly down from 420 on Friday.

The total of fatalities since the outbreak came to light on Feb. 21 now stands at 26,384, the agency said, the second highest in the world after that of the United States.

The number of confirmed cases was 195,351, the third highest global tally behind those of the United States and Spain.