Iran announces new record in COVID-19 deaths
The Health Ministry confirmed 440 deaths on Monday, bringing the death toll to 35,738.
Iran registered another 440 deaths from the coronavirus on Monday, the Health Ministry said, shattering the country's previous record for highest number of deaths recorded in a single day.
Health Ministry spokesperson Sima Sadat Lari said 35,738 people have now died of the virus in Iran. On Monday, officials reported an additional 8,289 COVID-19 infections, raising the nationwide total to 628,780 since February.
To stave off a third wave of the virus, Iran has extended restrictions across the country. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced on Saturday that shopping malls, cafes, mosques and cinemas in 46 cities will remain closed until at least Nov. 13. Schools will move to remote learning and public transportation will be limited.
The Iranian government announced in October that it will begin issuing fines to those who violate mask mandates and other health protocols. Following a meeting with the national coronavirus task force late last month, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called for “decisive government action” against those who flout restrictions.
