Iran's coronavirus cases hit new record for second day

Iran's coronavirus cases hit a new record for second day in a row after the Health Ministry reported 5,600 new positive cases in the West Asia’s worst-hit country from the deadly virus on Wednesday. 

Health Ministry’s spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said that 5,616 tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the country from Tuesday to Wednesday, bringing the total number to 545,286, according to ROKNA.

Of the new cases detected since Tuesday, 2,340 patients have been hospitalized, she added, saying among those undergoing treatment in medical centers at present, 4,861 coronavirus patients are in critical condition.

Lari put the total death toll from the coronavirus at 31,346 following the death of 312 people from Tuesday to Wednesday.

Iran on Monday reported 337 deaths from the novel coronavirus, the highest daily tally since February.

The ministry’s spokeswoman also said that at least 438,709 people have recovered across the country.

Iran’s health minister appealed on Tuesday for more public and government support to enforce restrictions aimed at stemming a third major outbreak of coronavirus infections.

“Everyone should know that I, as health minister, cannot bring this epidemic situation under control alone, and a lot more (help) is required,” Saeid Namaki said in remarks quoted by ROKNA.

New vaccine

He also said the country is to begin trialing a homegrown COVID-19 vaccine on humans around early November.

Namaki said the vaccine had been successfully tested on animals, and was currently being worked on by at least four medical teams across the country.

Iran has been struggling with the coronavirus since announcing its first cases in February.

Authorities have announced tighter restrictions for the hard-hit Tehran Province.

Recently reopened universities and schools, as well as libraries, mosques, cinemas, museums and beauty salons, shut down. In the past week, the government mandated that all Tehran residents wear face masks outdoors and in public places, warning violators would be fined. Officials promised those who tested positive would be closely tracked.

Authorities on Saturday extended the restrictions imposed in the province for the second time to limit the spread of the virus.