Iran's health ministry has reported more than 680 daily Covid deaths for the first time, as nationwide curbs to contain the spread of the virus were lifted, AFP reports.

The ministry said the deaths of 684 people in the past 24 hours brought the total number of fatalities to 102,038.

Iran has also registered 36,419 new infections, raising the total since the pandemic started to 4,677,114.

Last week, Iran tightened curbs to contain the spread of the virus. The six-day restrictive measures that ended on Saturday included the closure of government buildings, banks and non-essential shops.

Mask-clad Iranians shop at the Tajrish Bazaar market in the capital Tehran, Iran on August 22. — AFP
Mask-clad Iranians shop at the Tajrish Bazaar market in the capital Tehran, Iran on August 22. — AFP

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