Italy Reports Fourth Straight Decline in New Coronavirus Cases

(Bloomberg) -- Italy reported a fourth straight decline in new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, as Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte tentatively edges the country out of a two-month lockdown.

Civil protection authorities reported 1,075 cases for the 24-hour period -- the fewest since March 10 -- compared with 1,221 a day earlier. New deaths rose slightly to 236 from 195 on Monday. Confirmed cases now total 213,013.

Manufacturing and constructions firms resumed activity Monday, and limits on Italians' freedom of movement were eased slightly as Conte responds cautiously to pressure from coalition partners and business leaders underscoring the devastating economic impact of containment measures.

The government forecasts the economy will shrink 8% this year, while Bloomberg Economics sees a 13% contraction. Retailers and museums are due to open May 18. Bars and restaurants, which can only sell food and drink to be taken away, may open fully on June 1.

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Tensions within the ruling coalition are delaying plans for a new economic stimulus package worth 55 billion euros ($60 billion), to include liquidity measures for companies and an emergency income for people in the underground economy. The government approved an initial 25 billion-euro program of support measures in March.

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