Covid deaths surge again in Italy as government accused of failing to act

A funeral takes place in Montepagano, central Italy Picture: Domenico Stinellis/AP

Italy could soon reclaim a record no nation wants – the most coronavirus deaths in Europe – amid claims the health system has again failed to protect the elderly and the government delayed imposing new restrictions.

Italy was the first country in the West to be hit by Covid-19 early in 2020, but after suffering a huge wave of deaths in the spring it finally brought infections under control.