Iran's coronavirus death toll surges past 5,800

A total of 991 more people tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the total infections to 91,472, Iran's regime broadcaster reported, citing a statement by Health Ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour.

Jahanpour said 70,933 people have recovered so far and been discharged from hospitals, while 3,011 patients are in critical condition.

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

After originating in China last December, COVID-19 has spread to at least 185 countries and regions. Europe and the US are currently the worst-hit regions.

The pandemic has killed over 206,800 people, with total infections exceeding 2.98 million, while nearly 870,000 have recovered so far, according to figures compiled by the US-based Johns Hopkins University.

Based on AA