ZCZC
BFF-28
HEALTH-VIRUS-IRAN-TOLL,LEAD
Iran says 147 new virus deaths bring total to 1,135
TEHRAN, March 18, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Iran said Wednesday that the novel
coronavirus has killed 147 more people, a new single-day record in the virus-
stricken country that raised the overall toll to 1,135.
“Now everyone knows about this disease, and what is very strange is that
some don’t take it seriously,” Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raisi said in a
televised news conference.
“If people help, we can control it, and if not, then expect it to last
more than two months.”
Raisi said 1,192 new infections were confirmed in the past 24 hours,
raising the total to 17,161.
Tehran province had the highest number of new cases with 213.
Isfahan in central Iran was second with 162, followed by East Azerbaijan
in the northwest with 84.
The deputy minister complained that in Tehran “bazaars are busy” and that
people travel in their cars despite warnings not to do so.
“Just be patient for these two weeks so that, God willing, we can overcome
this virus,” Raisi said.
The country’s New Year holidays start on March 20 this year and will last
until early April, with many Iranians traditionally travelling to popular
spots such as northern provinces.
Iran is yet to impose any lockdowns but officials have repeatedly called
on the public to stay home for the holidays.
BSS/AFP/RY/1711 hrs