The announcement saw Iran put its total death toll from the outbreak at 30,123.

The number of people tested positive for COVID-19 infection rose to 526,490 following the detection of 4,103 new cases since Friday, the spokeswoman added.

She also noted that at least 423,921 patients have recovered from the coronavirus infection so far or have been discharged from hospitals across the country.

Among those undergoing treatment in medical centers at present, 4,721 patients have critical health conditions, Lari noted.

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

In recent weeks, Iran has seen daily death tolls spike to their highest-ever levels.

Restrictions

On Wednesday, Iranian officials announced a travel ban to and from five major cities, including the capital of Tehran and the holy city of Mashhad, that they said aimed to contain the virus’ spread.

The coronavirus has also spread to some of the highest levels of Iran’s government. Among those recently infected is the head of the country’s atomic energy organization, while Iran’s vice president in charge of budget and planning tested positive on Sunday.

This week, as the daily recorded death toll hit the record for three times, authorities announced tighter restrictions for the hard-hit capital of Tehran.

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 capital for the second time to limit the spread of the virus.

Governor General of Tehran Province Anoushiravan Mohseni-Bandpey said that the restrictions have been extended for the province to October 22.

Movement restrictions this spring somewhat checked the spread of the disease. Then the government swiftly reopened the country, desperate to boost its stricken economy. Since June, the case count has steadily increased – and spiked to new heights in recent weeks.

US sanctions

As Iran approaches winter, the seasonal influenza could be an added and serious issue for the country, as it has had purchasing the flu vaccine amid new American sanctions on Iranian banks.

Iran’s Red Crescent Society said in a tweet on Tuesday that they were in charge of importing two million flu vaccine doses into the country, but that new US sanctions prevented the import.

IRNA, Tasnim News Agency and AP contributed to this story.