Iran records highest daily coronavirus infections
Iran registered on Wednesday a daily record high of 13,843 new coronavirus cases, the Health Ministry said, pushing the national tally to 894,385 in the country.
The Health Ministry’s spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said the death toll rose by 469 from Tuesday to Wednesday, to 46,207.
Like days ago, 27 of the country’s 31 provinces are classified as “red”, the highest category in the country’s virus risk scaling.
Iran’s health officials have voiced alarm over a surge in infections, urging the nation to adhere to the health protocols, including wearing face masks and social distancing.
On Saturday, Iran introduced tougher restrictions for two weeks to stem a third wave of coronavirus infections, including closing nonessential businesses and travel curbs.
The country has also been working on development of a vaccine for the deadly virus.
President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday that Iran plans to use foreign coronavirus vaccines while also developing its own.
“Relying on its scientists, Iran will be able to make vaccines domestically... To ensure the health of the people, the government will use domestic capacities and has also taken ... measures to purchase vaccines from countries that have already developed safe ones,” said Rouhani.
Health Minister Saeid Namaki said earlier that four Iranian companies were developing coronavirus vaccines, two of which were expected to be authorized within days to carry out clinical trials.