Official coronavirus statistics in Iran: More than 17,000 infected and over a thousand dead

According to official statistics, 17,361 people in Iran have been infected with the coronavirus and 1,135 have died. In the past 24 hours alone, 192 new cases of the virus have been registered in Iran. 147 people have also lost their lives during the same period.

Alireza Raisi, Iran's Deputy Minister of Health, announced today, Wednesday, March 18, that 192 new cases of coronavirus have been identified in Iran in the past 24 hours. This brings the number of COVID-19 cases in Iran to 17,361.

According to these official statistics, 147 patients have lost their lives during the same period, bringing the number of deaths from coronavirus to 1,135.

Complaining about people in some provinces, Raisi said: "Today, everyone knows about the coronavirus disease, but many do not take it seriously. In Tehran, we see that the markets are crowded. We warn you to stay at home, but people are moving to the north of the country."

The Deputy Minister of Health emphasized that if people cooperate in the next two weeks, the disease can be controlled, otherwise this period will increase to two months.

The official stressed that "the situation is not good at all" and said that the coronavirus is highly contagious and harmful.

Referring to the practices of some European countries that fine people for leaving their homes, Raisi said: "In Iran, considering the cultural conditions, we encouraged people to stay at home and avoid public gatherings."

The issue of quarantining cities has been discussed since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak in Iran and has always been opposed by government officials. Offices, shops, and stores have not been closed.

Source: DW