Iraj Harirchi, Iran’s Deputy Health Minister, has tested positive for coronavirus just one day after briefing a room full of journos on the outbreak:
(Reuters) – Iran’s deputy health minister has tested positive for coronavirus, according to semi-official news. Spokesman for Iran’s health ministry confirmed in an interview with state TV that Deputy Minister Iraj Harirchi has been infected and is now under quarantine.
— Julia Macfarlane (@juliamacfarlane) February 25, 2020
Harichi is leading Iran’s efforts to combat the virus:
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran Health Ministry spokesman says the head of country's counter-coronavirus task force tested positive for the virus.
— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) February 25, 2020
So, how many government officials and reporters did he infect?
Deputy Health Minister of #Iran Harirchi who has been briefing officials & journalists in the past couple of days has been confirmed to be infected with #CoronaVirus. He said in a video message that “we will defeat Corona”.#COVID19 pic.twitter.com/sgtMiDMbcC
— Abas Aslani (@AbasAslani) February 25, 2020
He did not look well during the press conference yesterday:
Deputy Health Minister of #Iran Harirchi who is infected with #CoronaVirus had a joint presser along with spokesman of the government Rabiei yesterday among journalists. A footage published earlier had raised suspicion that he might had been infected with the virus. pic.twitter.com/IWKsga06SC
— Abas Aslani (@AbasAslani) February 25, 2020
Passengers on this Turkish Airways flight will now be quarantined for 14 days:
A #Turkish Airlines #planeflying from #Iran was diverted to #Ankara on Tuesday at the #Turkish Health Ministry’s request, an aviation source said, and an aviation news website said one passenger was suspected of being infected by #coronavirus.#mnaEN pic.twitter.com/RbYl4bmIrL
— M N A (@mnaEN) February 25, 2020
And this is not good news:
“Long a regional crossroads, Iran is spreading the new coronavirus to a host of neighboring countries. Many are ill equipped to cope.” https://t.co/MViU9oXKbP
— Mark Dubowitz (@mdubowitz) February 25, 2020
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