(Refiles, fixing headline) (ANSA) - Rome, April 28 - The Civil Protection Department said Tuesday that the total number of coronavirus cases in Italy has passed the 200,000 mark.
    It said 105,205 people are currently infected with COVID-19 in Italy, down 608 in 24 hours. Monday's fall was 290 while on Sunday there was a rise of 256.
    The department said 27,359 people have died with the coronavirus in Italy, up 382. That compares to Monday's daily rise of 333.
    It said 68,941 people have recovered from the coronavirus here, up 2,317. Monday's rise was 1,696.
    That means the total of number of cases, including the currently infected, the deceased and those who have recovered, is now 201,505, a rise of 2,091 on Monday. Monday's rise was 1,739.
    The department said there are currently 1,863 coronavirus patients in intensive care, 93 fewer than Monday, as the downward trend continued.
    Premier Giuseppe Conte defended his government's plan for phase two of the coronavirus emergency after the gradual relaxation of Italy's lockdown came under fire from many quarters, including opposition parties and religious groups.
    There is a "strong risk" of the coronavirus returning unless safety norms are observed in phase two of the emergency, Conte said Tuesday. He added that the government "cannot do more" on reopening activities as it is gradually doing starting next Monday, May 4.
    Conte also said he expected an "act of love" from Italy's banks in granting loans to the hard-hit economy after the government provided unprecedented liquidity. That concept was echoed by Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, who said that if regions or people were "imprudent" now there was a risk of coronavirus lockdown returning this summer. He said Conte had not authorized the reopening of shops and markets immediately because "there are still high health risks, the scientific community has certified them for us".
    Di Maio said the contagion curve had gone back in countries that had eased lockdowns too early.