Italy fears Spain-style second wave as number of coronavirus cases spikes

A sharp rise in coronavirus cases in Italy has prompted fears of a Spain-style second wave of the pandemic.

Italian authorities on Thursday reported 386 new cases in the previous 24 hours, the highest daily number since the end of May.

On Wednesday, 289 new cases were logged, while on Tuesday there were 212.

There have been localised outbreaks across the country and there is particular concern over a migrant reception centre near the northern city of Treviso, where 133 out of 293 migrants tested positive for coronavirus, although they were all reportedly asymptomatic.

Most of the new cases were registered in Veneto and Lombardy, the two northern regions that bore the brunt of Italy’s pandemic, accounting for around half of the country’s overall death toll of 35,000.

The number of people dying, however, remains low for now – three people died on Thursday and six on Wednesday.

The spike in cases is accounted for, in part, by infected travellers arriving from overseas, including a number of Bangladeshis who tested positive.

But another key factor is people congregating in bars, restaurants and beach resorts, as the country gradually lets down its guard following a strict, three-month lockdown.

Reflecting the fact that more young people are contracting the virus, the average age of new cases has dropped from 61 at the height of the pandemic to 42.

Ministers and medical experts constantly urge Italians to maintain social distancing, the use of disinfectant hand gel and the wearing of face masks in public places.

“The latest signals from France, Spain and Germany tell us once again that the battle has not been won in Europe,” said Roberto Speranza, the health minister. “That's why we must continue with great prudence.”

The government’s scientific advisory committee said there was a danger that “the situation could get out of control, as has happened in other countries in Europe and elsewhere”.

Silvio Berlusconi, the leader of the centre-Right Forza Italia party and former prime minister, said: “I’m very worried. A second wave of infections is a real risk and would create an economic and health catastrophe.”