Iran says Coronavirus deaths rise by 87 to 5,118

Iran on Sunday anunced 87 new deaths from vel coronavirus in past 24 hours, raising official toll to 5,118, as it takes steps to reopen ecomy.

It is sixth consecutive day that Iran has anunced a death toll under 100, though Sunday's toll was 14 higher than day before.

Health ministry spokesman Kiaush Jahanpour said 1,343 new infections h been confirmed, taking total to 82,211.

Of those mitted to hospital, 57,023 have recovered and been discharged, while 3,456 remain in critical condition.

Islamic republic has struggled to contain what is Middle East's deliest COVID-19 outbreak since reporting its first cases on February 19.

Some officials and health experts in Iran and abro have said country's casualty figures may be higher than those declared.

On Saturday, Iran allowed some "low-risk" businesses in capital Tehran to reopen, after approving similar measures in or provinces last week.

"Medium-risk" businesses could reopen Monday, President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday after a meeting of national coronavirus taskforce.

He did t elaborate on s of businesses considered "medium risk" or wher measure covered whole country, but said those businesses would have to close by 6 pm.

In a bid to halt spre of coronavirus, Iran h ordered closure of n-essential businesses and imposed inter-city travel bans, but refrained from imposing an official lockdown.

reopening of ecomy has drawn criticism from health experts and even some government officials.