Coronavirus: Iran reports record one-day death toll

The number of new daily infections and deaths increased as movement restrictions were eased

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Iran has recorded its highest number of deaths from Covid-19 within a 24-hour period, according to the health ministry.

The 200 deaths reported on Tuesday exceeded Sunday's figure, when the ministry reported 163 fatalities.

The Islamic republic recorded 11,931 deaths and 245,688 infections from coronavirus so far, ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said on state television.

The number of new daily infections and deaths has increased sharply in the past week following a gradual easing of restrictions that started in April.

Iran was one of the hardest-hit countries early in the pandemic, when the highest number of deaths recorded in the space of a day was 158 on April 4.

On Saturday, President Hassan Rouhani introduced measures to try to curb the renewed spread. Iranians who do not wear masks will be denied state services, and workplaces that fail to comply with health protocols will be shut for a week, he said.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicised an image of himself in a mask last week, urging both public officials and the country's 80 million people to wear them to help contain the virus.

But public opinion polling and a walk through the streets of Tehran showed the widespread apathy felt about the pandemic. In February, Iran became one of the first countries struck by the outbreak after China.