The number of new COVID-19 cases in Italy rose by 13,318 on Tuesday, with 201 requiring intensive care treatment, as Italy heads toward a nationwide partial lockdown for the Christmas holidays.
The Health Ministry said the daily death toll remained at 601, bringing Italy's known pandemic total to 69,842.
Hospitalizations dropped below 25,000, with 2,687 people in intensive care _ 43 fewer than a day earlier.
Italians are easing into a holiday season full of restrictions, and already are barred from traveling to other regions except for valid reasons like work or health.
Starting Christmas eve, travel beyond city or town borders also will be blocked, with some allowance for very limited personal visits in the same region.
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