CAIRO, Apr 6 (NNN-MENA) – Iran’s COVID-19 cases rose by 2,483 to 58,226, as the slowdown continued for five consecutive days. Meanwhile, the tally of infections in Israel surpassed 8,000.
The death toll from the disease in Iran rose by 151 to reach 3,603. So far, a total of 22,011 patients recovered from the disease, while 4,057 remain in critical condition.
Iranian President, Hassan Rouhani, ordered the extension of a ban on all sports activities until Apr 18, in a bid to curb the pandemic. But he added, the existing restrictions would be eased gradually in the following weeks.
Rouhani also denied that, there are differences between two ministries over dealing with the pandemic. Media reports suggested that, while the ministry of industry urged the resumption of economic activities, the ministry of health insisted on implementing the social distancing plan, which started on Mar 27.
Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, blasted the recent U.S. move, to block a loan by the International Monetary Fund to Iran, to fight the outbreak, as “a real instance of crimes against humanity.”
In Turkey, the second hardest-hit country in the region, 3,135 new COVID-19 cases were reported, raising the tally of infections to 27,069.
The death toll from the virus reached 574, after 73 fatalities were added. Turkey’s total number of recoveries from the virus reached 1,042, while 1,381 patients are still in intensive care units.
In Israel, 579 people tested positive, bringing the tally of infections to 8,430, of whom 546 have recovered. Six new deaths were reported, raising the death toll to 49.
Israel launched a 4-million-U.S.-dollar grant programme, for 30 urgent virus researches, with an aim to slow down the pandemic and generate a better understanding of the disease.
Israel’s Ministry of Defence and Israeli airline, El Al, announced a joint operation to fly medical equipment, including surgical masks, medical staff protective suits and respirators, from China, for the fight against the virus. The first plane is expected to land in Israel on Monday (today).– NNN-MENA
