Iran reports 139 new coronavirus deaths 

 

Iran reports 139 new coronavirus deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the Islamic republic’s total death toll to 2,517.

Health Ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said on state TV that the total number of cases diagnosed rose by 3,076 to 35,408, with 3,206 in a critical condition.

President Hassan Rouhani earlier reassured the public that the country, one of the most affected by the pandemic, has a strong healthcare system able to cope should there be a rapid progression of the disease.

In comments broadcast on state TV, he said his government has allocated 20% of the budget to fighting the outbreak.