Iran’s Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi Tested Positive for Coronavirus
In a video that was shot by him, the minister said, “I too have been infected with Coronavirus, I had a fever as of last night and my preliminary test was positive around midnight.”
On Tuesday, Iran’s deputy health minister Iraj Harirchi confirmed that he has been tested positive for Coronavirus. He revealed this news during a video broadcast on state television.
In a video that was shot by him, the minister said, “I too have been infected with Coronavirus, I had a fever as of last night and my preliminary test was positive around midnight.”
He added, “I've isolated myself in a place since. A few minutes ago, I was told that my final test was final, and now I am starting medication.”
He also shared some words of hope when he said, “I wanted to tell you that... we will definitely be victorious against this virus in the next few weeks.”
During a press conference on Monday in Tehran, Harirchi was seen coughing occasionally and sweating profusely. He was standing next to government spokesman Ali Rabiei. The video has become viral since then.
Harirchi also warned citizens that the virus does not discriminate. It could infect anyone regardless of their standing.
Next to China, Iran is the most infected country due to the virus. The epicenter is at Qom however the infections have rapidly spread to other parts of the country. Three more deaths were confirmed on Tuesday with 34 more new infections. The total death toll due to the virus is 15 and the infected cases have risen to 95.
It appears that one of the main reasons why Iran is affected is because the country had kept its flights open to China. The country has close ties with China both economically and politically.
Supplies like hand sanitizer and masks are in short supply in the country. Authorities have been cautioning people not to go out. Universities, cinemas, and schools are being closed as a precautionary measure; however, shrines have been kept open by Iranian Clerics.