Iran: Death toll from coronavirus rises to 7,183

By Mustafa Melih Ahishali

ISTANBUL (AA) – Iran on Wednesday confirmed 64 more fatalities from coronavirus over the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 7,183.

A further 2,346 people tested positive for COVID-19, raising the overall count to 126,949, Iran's state broadcaster reported, citing a Health Ministry statement.

The statement added that 98,808 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals so far, while 2,673 patients remain in critical condition.

In Iran, one of the countries in the Middle East hardest hit by the disease, COVID-19 was first detected in the city of Qom on Feb. 19 and then spread throughout the country.

More than 4.91 million cases have been reported in 188 countries and regions since the virus emerged in China last December.

The US, Russia, Brazil, and several European countries are currently the hardest-hit in the world.

The pandemic has claimed over 323,600 lives worldwide, while recoveries exceed 1.7 million, according to figures compiled by the US’ Johns Hopkins University.

*Writing by Zehra Nur Duz