Iran Hit With Worst Coronavirus Outbreak In The Middle East
CORNAVIRUS IN IRAN – Despite having crisis after crisis, Iran yet again faced another challenge – the coronavirus outbreak.
According to reports from CNN, Iran’s death toll for the new coronavirus, COVID-19, had already reached 19. Along with this, Iran had confirmed 139 cases of the potentially deadly disease.
However, despite the spread of COVID-19, President Hassan Rouhani stated that Iran won’t quarantine any cities. He also warned that the virus could be used as a weapon at the hands of their enemies.
Rouhani explained that the spread of the virus could be used as part of “propaganda” against the country. As per the report, Iran’s president said the virus should not further cripple the country’s economy.
Currently, Iran is still experiencing the effects of the economic crisis due to sanctions imposed by the US government. This was made following Iran’s retaliation over the death of its top general.
Meanwhile, Iranian officials are still scrambling to contain the viral outbreak. Schools and public offices have been closed across the country and officials have banned hookah from cafes in a bid to stem the contagion.
However, in the Holy City of Qom, the epicenter of the outbreak in Iran, pilgrimages have continued despite health authorities ordering to limit the visitors to the city.
Of the 28 newly reported cases, 15 were from Qom. Adding to this, even Iranian officials have contracted the virus.
Just after downplaying the severity of the virus in the country, Iran’s Health Minister Iraj Harichi tested positive for COVID-19.
In lieu of this, neighboring states are dealing with Iran as a regional breeding ground for the virus. Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon and other regional states each have reported cases coming from Iran.
In addition, Iraq and Afghanistan have closed their land borders with Iran and have suspended flights to their cities.
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