Italy's daily coronavirus cases at nearly 3,500

Rome, Apr 18 (AP) The Health Ministry in Italy says there were 3,491 new coronavirus cases, nearly identical to the previous day increase in confirmed infections.

There were 482 more deaths, raising the overall official toll to 23,227 in Italy, which has Europe's highest number of deaths.

The country is approaching the end of its sixth week of nationwide lockdown, with people allowed out of their homes only for essential work or buying food and tending to family members.Overall, Italy has nearly 176,000 confirmed cases. (AP) PMSPMS