Iran said Friday there was "a relative downward trajectory" in the coronavirus pandemic fatalities as it reported 55 deaths, the lowest daily count in 11 weeks.
This brings the coronavirus-related deaths in Iran to 6,541, still making it the worst-hit country in the Middle East.
According to Kianoush Jahanpour, spokesman for Iran’s health ministry, 1,556 new cases have also been confirmed in the country, raising the overall tally to 104,691.
"Fortunately, 83,837 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals so far, while 2,711 patients infected with COVID-19 are still in critical conditions," the official said.
He noted that 558,899 COVID-19 diagnosis tests have been carried out in the country until now.
Jahanpour added that Iran’s detection of those afflicted with the respiratory disease is growing on a daily basis and said it is now possible for those without any symptoms to be tested.
Iran has tried to contain the spread of the virus by shutting schools, universities, cinemas and stadiums among other public spaces since March.
But it has allowed a phased reopening of its economy since April 11, and authorities are now mulling allowing sports, cultural and religious centers too.
Authorities in the capital city of Tehran have kept public transportation running but made it mandatory for passengers to wear masks.
Iran has managed to contain the rate of COVID-19 infection mainly relying on home-grown efforts for producing treatment and diagnostics as the country continues to suffer from a series of US sanctions that hampered its access to imports of medicine and vital medical equipment.
Washington has even attempted to block a request by Iran to the International Monetary Fund for an emergency loan that the country needs to contain the pandemic.