TEHRAN (AFP): Iran's deputy health minister Iraj Harichi confirmed Tuesday (Feb 25) that he has tested positive for the coronavirus, amid a major outbreak in the republic. In a video broadcast on state television, the deputy minister put on a brave face as he admitted he was infected. The republic has been hit by the deadliest coronavirus outbreak by far outside China. Despite being Iran's epicentre of the outbreak, Qom has yet to be quarantined. Health Minister Saeed Namaki defended the decision on Tuesday and said that quarantine is an "old method".

Source: The Star February 25, 2020 13:41 UTC