Iran Denies Reports of 50 Coronavirus Deaths in Qom

In Qom, Iran, where the spread of the coronavirus began, reports concerning 50 deaths from the virus are incorrect. This was announced by Iran's Deputy Minister of Health Iraj Harirchi.

Harirchi had previously stated that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Iran could be around 60. “If you say there are 50 deaths, provide us with the names officially in a letter. While 50 deaths have been announced, I will tell you directly that if the number of fatalities in Qom due to this disease is half or a quarter of that, I will resign,” he said during a press conference broadcasted on Iranian television.

Earlier, as reported by the ISNA agency, Ahmad Amirabadi, a representative from Qom, stated that the health minister's claims do not align with reality. According to him, the coronavirus was identified in Qom three weeks ago, while authorities only informed the public of the first two cases on February 19.

The parliament member pointed out that the situation in the city is “more critical than they are saying.” Meanwhile, according to the ILNA agency, the representative mentioned about 50 victims of the virus in the city. At the same time, the Iranian Ministry of Health's representative, Kianush Jahanpur, informed journalists that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Iran has reached 64, with 12 fatalities reported. “At this moment, it is quite accurate that there are 64 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country. Unfortunately, 12 of them have died in recent days,” stated Jahanpur in a declaration published on the ministry's website, as reported by RIA Novosti.