17,605 people tested positive for the infection over the past 24 hours, 2,537 of whom were hospitalized, it said.

More than 4,7 million patients suffering from the disease have been discharged from hospitals after being cured.

About 6,902 COVID-19 patients are in critical condition in intensive care units, it added.

The Ministry also said that 27,709,835 Iranians have received the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine and 13,459,625 people have so far received the second dose of the vaccine. (ILKHA)