The coronavirus daily mortality rate in Iran hit 200, the highest figure since the onset of the outbreak in late February. According to the latest statistics released by Health Ministry Spokeswoman Sima Sadat-Lari, the new rate pushed the total number of deaths close to the 12,000 mark.
The new record was announced as nine provinces remained "red spots" and nine others exhibited signs of an alarming status. While the official figure for the total confirmed cases stood below 246,000, a member of the National Committee to Combat Coronavirus said up to 18 million Iranians — around 20% of the entire population — are estimated to have already contracted the virus.