Mosques in Iran to resume daily prayers

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said mosques are to resume daily prayers throughout the country, even though some areas are seeing high levels of coronavirus infections.

"Doors to mosques across the country will open to the public for daily prayers," Rouhani said, adding that social distancing and other health protocols should be observed. He did not say when they are due to reopen.

Speaking on state television, Rouhani also said the operation time of shopping malls, which now allowed to open until 6:00 p.m. will be extended. 

Iran's health ministry Saturday reported 2,282 new cases and 57 additional deaths over the past 24 hours as of Saturday noon, adding the country's total numbers of confirmed cases to 148,950 and fatalities to 7,734.

Among all the cases, 116,827 patients have recovered.

(With input from Reuters)