Egypt's President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi called Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Wednesday to express solidarity with Italy against the novel coronavirus outbreak. Al-Sisi stressed Egypt's full readiness to extend to Italy possible support and assistance in their fight against COVID-19. The Italian PM expressed his gratitude for the Egyptian position supporting Italy in this crisis, which reflects the strength of bilateral relations between, saying he looks forward to joint cooperation to combat the virus. On Wednesday, Italy mulled imposing even tighter restrictions on daily life to curb the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. The country also, announced billions in financial relief to soften the economic shocks from the coronavirus, its latest efforts to adjust to the fast-evolving health crisis. Conte said that authorities are considering further tightening Italy's already extraordinary anti-virus lockdown that was extended nationwide Tuesday. Lombardy, Italy's most affected region by the outbreak, is pushing for a shutdown of non-essential businesses and public transportation, in addition to the travel and social restrictions already in force. However, Conte stressed that Italy's fight against coronavirus infections — which surpassed 10,000 people– must not come at the expense of civil liberties. Italy's latest COVID-19 death toll has climbed to 631, with an increase of 168 fatalities recorded Tuesday.
