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.

The ministry reported over 350,200 confirmed cases, with 20,125 deaths, Tasnim News Agency reported.

Speaking at a daily press conference on Wednesday, Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said the number of people infected with the coronavirus in the country has risen to 350,279 after the detection of 2,444 new cases from Tuesday to Wednesday.

Of the new cases detected over the past 24 hours, 1,132 patients have been admitted to the hospital, she added.

Among those undergoing treatment in medical centers at present, 3,868 coronavirus patients have critical health conditions, Lari said.

More than 302,500 patients have recovered from the coronavirus infection or have been discharged from hospitals across Iran, the spokeswoman said.

Lari also noted that nearly 2,940,000 coronavirus diagnostic tests have been carried out in Iran.

Strict health protocols

The country on Wednesday began holding annual countrywide university entrance examinations for admission to higher education amid strict safety guidelines over the virus outbreak.

The nationwide exams – known as Konkour (from French Concours) – kicked off on Wednesday, with over 113,700 individuals vying for seats at art universities, Press TV reported.

A total of 1,393,233 people are expected to compete at this year’s university entrance examinations, which will last until Saturday.

This year, mohallas (open space outside mosques, mainly used for prayer) and sports stadiums have been added to the locations where the exams are usually held, mainly university halls.

Social distancing rules are also being observed during the event, with the participants sitting at a distance of 1.8 meters from each other.

They are further provided with hygiene packs and obliged to wear face masks and gloves during the examination.

The exams were due to be held early in summer but were postponed for more preparations to ensure the safety of the participants.

Waiting for approval

According to a member of Iran’s anti-COVID taskforce, the country would wait for the World Health Organization’s approval before buying a coronavirus vaccine unveiled last week by Russia.

Russia said on August 11 that it had developed the world’s first vaccine offering “sustainable immunity” against COVID-19 and was in the final stage of human trials.

“We are waiting for the international community, including the World Health Organization, (before) we buy the vaccine from Russia,” Alireza Zali said on Tuesday, AFP reported.

“In order for the vaccine to be used, genuine and independent organizations such as the World Health Organization must comment on it and approve it, which has not happened yet,” he told a news conference in Tehran.

“After scientific approval… we will negotiate with Russia to get the vaccine,” said Zali, who oversees efforts against the virus in the Iranian capital.

According to worldometers.info, the number of people infected with COVID-19 across the world has exceeded 22.3 million and the death toll has surpassed 784,000.