On Thursday, Iran reported 2,621 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, raising the country's total infections to 301,530, of whom 261,200 have been recovered or discharged from the hospitals.
In a statement, the Iranian ministry of health also reported 226 new coronaviurs-related deaths, pushing the country's death toll to 16,563 so far.
Iran and coronavirus
Iran has the Middle East’s highest number of recorded COVID-19 cases and infections and deaths have risen sharply since restrictions on movement began to be eased in mid-April.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani urged people on Saturday to observe health protocols and practice social distancing during upcoming Muslim festivities, as a health official said there had been a surge in coronavirus infections in a major holy city.
Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi, speaking on state television on Saturday, urged people not to visit the northeastern holy city of Mashhad, which he said had seen an increase of 300% in COVID-19 cases over a one-month period.
From the end of this month Muslims around the world will mark the Eid al-Adha feast. This year, Saudi Arabia will drastically limit the number of pilgrims attending haj to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
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