Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash

This cute baby boy has become a symbol of hope in a northern Italian region after winning a 50-day battle against COVID-19.

Little Leonardo, just six months old, has recently returned home in the municipality of Corbetta in the northern Italian region of Lombardy after defeating COVID-19.

Local mayor Marco Ballarini called baby Leonardo “the wonderful face of hope” and thanked the cute tot for helping to lift the spirits in the region.

He said: “Today we have a reason to smile and be happy, to feel like we are part of a community. Today, we look at the wonderful face of hope. Corbetta welcomes home little Leonardo who has just been released from hospital after defeating COVID-19.

“Thanks a lot Leo, and thanks to your parents who never gave up. They brought summer to the hearts of all Corbetta citizens! Strength Corbetta!”

The baby’s mum told local media: “I was worried a lot, especially at night. I do not wish that on any mother.”

She said that she knew her baby was ill when he had a fever and his heart rate quickened, adding that her husband’s work colleague had been diagnosed with the virus.

The mother said that little Leonardo was well treated by healthcare professionals.

According to the latest figures from the Johns Hopkins University, Italy has registered 101,739 cases of COVID-19, 11,591 deaths and 14,620 recoveries.

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