COVID-19 roundup in Middle East: Infections top 70,000 in Iran

CAIRO -- As COVID-19 sweeps the Middle East, the two worst-hit countries in the region both suffer relentless spread, but witness different trends.

In Iran, the total number of COVID-19 cases reached 70,029 on Saturday, as the death toll hit 4,357, according to the latest figure from Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education.

But the virus' spread in the country presented a slower speed. In the past 24 hours, the number of those tested positive was 1,837, the fourth day in a row seeing daily increase less than 2,000.

Meanwhile, 41,947 of all the reported cases have recovered and left hospitals, while 3,987 others are in critical condition.

However, the situation worsens in Turkey, which announced its first COVID-19 case one month ago.

Turkish health minister on Saturday announced 5,138 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily rise after three consecutive days of over 4,000 new infections every day.

So far, the total number of confirmed cases in Turkey has reached 52,167, while the death toll surged to 1,101, said the minister, adding 2,965 patients have recovered and 1,626 others are still in ICU.

Israel, the third worst-hit country in the Middle East, also registered an alert number on Saturday.

Its health ministry announced the tally of COVID-19 cases in Israel has hit 10,743, of whom 101 have died and 1,341 others have recovered.

And the lack of test reagents makes the situation worse. The coronavirus tests taken in Israel have dropped by nearly 4,000 on a daily basis during the past week, the ministry said, adding the state has sought help from China and Korea on this issue.

As the first Gulf country to announce COVID-19 cases, the United Arab Emirates on Saturday announced 376 new COVID-19 cases, so the total number in the country hit 3,736.

The UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention said in a statement that 20 patients have died from the pandemic and 588 others have recovered.

Algeria has registered 1,825 COVID-19 cases, while the death toll surged to 275, after 64 new infections and seven new deaths were confirmed during the past 24 hours.

And 460 patients have recovered and left hospitals, its latest data showed.

Moroccan Ministry of Health confirmed on Saturday 97 new cases of COVID-19, raising the tally to 1,545 in the country.

The ministry said a total of 111 deaths from COVID-19 were reported while 146 patients have recovered so far.