According to the official data of the Italian Ministry of Health, the number of coronavirus cases in the country decreased for the first time in recent weeks. Between December 7-13, 56,404 cases were recorded, marking a decrease of 3.8% compared to the previous week.

The positivity rate of the tests carried out (20.2%) records a decrease of 0.4%, while the Rt transmission rate stands at 0.8. On the contrary, there is a slight increase in admissions of patients with Covid-19 to hospitals (11.7% of the total) and to intensive care units (2.7%). Many scientists believe that again this year, after the Christmas holidays, cases are very likely to increase.

“The situation with Covid-19 is under control and we continue to monitor it closely. However, we advise both the elderly and patients with chronic diseases to be vaccinated against the coronavirus and the seasonal flu,” Italian Health Minister Horacio Scilacci said on the country’s public radio and television (Rai).

Meanwhile, as Rai reports, the number of children infected with viruses that affect the respiratory system is increasing in the emergency department of hospitals.

From Milan, several minor patients were transferred to the emergency rooms of Bergamo and Brescia, due to heavy pressure on the hospitals of the Italian co-capital. Health authorities are asking parents of children with respiratory symptoms to keep them at home until they recover.