The death toll on Friday was 420, bringing the nationwide fatalities to 25,969 since the pandemic first broke out in the northern Lombardy region on Feb. 21. Friday's death toll is the lowest since March 18.

Total active infections stood at 106,527, down by 321 cases compared to the previous day, according to the latest data published in a bulletin. This is the fifth consecutive daily drop in the number of active infections nationwide.

There were 3,021 new infections and 2,922 more recoveries compared to Thursday, bringing the nationwide totals to 192,994 and 60,498 respectively.

Of those infected, 2,173 are in intensive care -- down by 94 compared to Thursday, and 22,068 are hospitalized in normal wards -- down by 803. The rest 82,286 people, or 77 percent of those who tested positive, are in isolation at home.

Italy entered into a national lockdown on March 10 to contain the pandemic. The lockdown, which is expected to last until May 3, will be followed by a so-called "Phase Two," involving "the gradual resumption of social, economic and productive activities," the government has explained.