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Iran says 10 provinces have reached peak coronavirus numbers

Iran says coronavirus deaths in the country will continue until there is a vaccine.

An Iranian woman gives a protective face mask to a worshipper to attend the Friday prayers in Qarchak Jamee Mosque, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Tehran province, in Qarchak, Iran, June 12, 2020. WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Ali Khara via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY - RC2P7H9Y3JZH
An Iranian woman gives a protective face mask to a worshipper to attend the Friday prayers in Qarchak Jamee Mosque, following the outbreak of the coronavirus, in Tehran province, Qarchak, Iran, June 12, 2020. — WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Ali Khara via REUTERS

According to Iranian Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi, the coronavirus continues to spread across several Iranian provinces as normal life resumes in the country.

Harirchi, who himself became famous across the world after displaying coronavirus symptoms during a press conference and who later tested positive, said June 17 during a visit to the Kurdistan province of Iran that in the last few days the province has seen an increase in the rate of coronavirus infections and deaths. He said nearly all of the 520 hospital beds set aside for treating the virus are currently occupied. 

He said 10 provinces are currently witnessing an increase in infections, adding the Kurdistan province has currently reached a peak in the number of infections for the first time since the outbreak of the virus. Given that information, he said, it would be inaccurate to call it a second wave.

According to Harirchi, provinces are witnessing high numbers of infection in June despite having gone through major lockdowns in late March and early April. He said some provinces are peaking because of local customs and traditions, and large gatherings have resumed. As an example, he said 120 people became infected after attending the same wedding.

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