DUBAI, UAE – Iran’s death toll from the
coronavirus outbreak has reached 43, a health official told state TV on
Saturday, adding that the number of infected people across the country has
reached 593.
“Unfortunately nine people died of the virus in the last 24 hours. The death
toll is 43 now. The new confirmed infected cases since yesterday is 205 that
makes the total number of confirmed infected people 593,” Kianush Jahanpur told
state TV.
Iran, which has the highest death toll outside China, has ordered the shutting of schools until Tuesday and the government has extended the closure of universities and a ban on concerts and sports events for a week.
Several high-ranking officials, including a vice minister, deputy health minister and five lawmakers, have tested positive for the coronavirus as the rapid spread of the outbreak forced the government to call on people to stay at home.(Reuters)
