Women in Tehran, Iran, August 4, 2020 (EPA-EFE)

Iran’s Deputy Health Minister has warned of a “third wave” of Coronavirus, as the daily toll of deaths and cases rises again.

“Whenever health protocols are less observed, the disease begins to surge,” Alireza Raisi said on the Ministry’s website. “A small number of people have not been careful and went on trips during the recent holidays. This is while travelling has proven to be the cause of the disease’s resurgence.”

Raisi said that hospitalizations in Tehran Province have doubled in the last week to about 1,800 per day, and that “some other provinces” are also in danger.

“Forecasts show us moving toward the third wave of the coronavirus, and it seems the wave will take shape in Tehran much earlier than other provinces,” the minister said.

The Health Ministry reported 179 deaths on Wednesday, the highest daily toll since August 12. The official total is now 23,632.

The official number of cases is 410,334, with 2,981 in 24 hours — the largest daily increase since June 4. More than 3,800 patients are in critical condition.

After belatedly acknowledging the epidemic in early March, the Government contained the virus with closure of schools and universities, businesses, mosques, restaurants, and other public places. However, from April 11 it pursued reopening amid Iran’s economic crisis.

Daily cases, which reached a low of 803 in early May, soon quadrupled before settling at a level of about 2,000 cases per day through the summer.

Masks are mandatory in enclosed public spaces, but President Hassan Rouhani has balked at restoring any restrictions on businesses and mosques. Students returned to school and universities almost two weeks ago, despite medical warnings.