Iran reports 97 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours, raising total to 611

Iran reported on Saturday 97 coronavirus deaths in the last 24 hours, raising the total number of deaths caused by the virus in the country to 611, Iranian state TV reported, citing a health ministry offficial.

For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page.

The total number of those diagnosed with the disease in Iran, where the outbreak has reached its highest toll in the region, has reached 12,729, according to the official.

Health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said that “1,365 fresh cases have been added to the number of confirmed infections in the past 24 hours,” bringing the total to 12,729.

Jahanpour told a televised news conference that more than 4,300 of those with confirmed infections had recovered so far.

Tehran province had the highest number of new cases with 347, followed by Isfahan with 155 and the northern region of Alborz with 134.

“Naturally, the number of confirmed cases will increase” even more as Iran steps up its laboratory sampling and tests, he said.

Several of the confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Middle East have been linked back to travel with Iran.

Read more:

Coronavirus: 7 insights from Yale epidemiologist

Religious tourism to Iran triggers spread of coronavirus across Gulf

Saudi Arabia bans all international flights starting Sunday: What happens next?