BEIRUT -- Iran reported 3,134 new coronavrius cases on Wednesday and 70 new deaths, a spokesman from the health ministry.

Kianush Jahanpur, spokesman for Iran's Ministry of Health said via his Twitter that the total number of cases in the country has risen to 160,696, with 8,012 deaths to date. Recoveries stand at 125,206.

On Tuesday, Iran reported 3,117 cases and the government said that people were ignoring social distancing rules.

The government has largely lifted the restrictions it imposed to stem the outbreak that first emerged in mid-February.

Experts both at home and abroad have voiced skepticism about Iran's official figures, saying the real toll could be much higher.

On May 30, government workers in Iran went back to work and mosques were allowed to resume daily prayers. The hours for shopping malls, which had been allowed open until 6 p.m. were extended, President Hassan Rohani said on state television.

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