Iran with Deputy Ministers and Members of Parliament Infected by COVID-19... Unusual Spread in Europe (Update)

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The situation in Iran regarding the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is becoming increasingly serious. Fear is spreading as it has been revealed that not only the Deputy Minister of Health, who is in charge of COVID-19 response operations, but also politicians and religious figures have been infected.

Iraj Harirchi, Deputy Minister of Health of Iran (left in the photo) [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

On the 25th (local time), Iraj Harirchi, Deputy Minister of Health of Iran, confirmed through a video, "I have also tested positive for COVID-19," adding, "I had a fever since yesterday, and last night the initial test results came back positive, so I have entered self-quarantine." He continued, "Please have faith that the Iranian people will overcome this virus within weeks," and mentioned, "(Iran) has the medical capacity to treat this disease."

Deputy Minister Harirchi’s infection is shocking as he is the head of the Iranian government's COVID-19 response team. At a press conference the previous day, he was seen coughing repeatedly and wiping sweat with a tissue, raising concerns about his infection, which he ultimately confirmed.

Mahmoud Sadeghi, a member of the Iranian parliament, also publicly disclosed that he has been infected with COVID-19. Foreign media reported that it is still unconfirmed whether there are additional confirmed cases among high-ranking Iranian officials.

The religious sector in Iran is also in a dangerous situation. In Qom, a religious city in Iran known for a large number of patients, it has been reported that one of the aides to the highest cleric in the region has tested positive for COVID-19. Although many patients have appeared in the Qom area, confirmed cases have been reported in areas accounting for one-third of the entire administrative region.

The Iranian government has taken emergency measures such as closing schools and universities and shutting down public gatherings and football matches until the 20th of next month.

According to foreign media, chaos broke out in Tehran, the capital of Iran, and other areas as people rushed to buy food, masks, disinfectants, disposable gloves, and medicines. Many pharmacies have closed, citing a lack of stock.

Meanwhile, Europe is also facing a serious situation. Italy, which reported 322 confirmed cases, saw most cases again in the north as the previous day, but confirmed cases have started to increase in the south as well. Spain reported 5 confirmed cases. Austria, Croatia, and France also announced additional confirmed cases.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.