Deadly outbreak: Coronavirus claims lives of 50 people in Iran’s Qom city

• Officials say 250 people are in quarantined in the city of Qom while there are fears of emergence of more cases.
• A local mayor is also among those infected and in quarantine.
• The number of deaths compared to the number of infections is higher in Iran than in any other country, including China and South Korea.

(Karachi) At least 50 people have died after contracting deadly coronavirus in Iran’s Qom city during a month, local media reported on Monday. The identity of the victims could not be ascertained as yet.

Coronavirus cases have also been reported in four more cities, including Tehran. However, the local government is taking precautionary measures to contain the epidemic. Officials said that 250 people are in quarantined in the city of Qom while there are fears of emergence of more cases.

A local mayor is also amongst those infected and in quarantine.

With the occurrence of new cases this month, the toll has increased to alarming levels as the Iranian government is striving to stop the deadly outbreak.

Iranian travelers infected with the virus have also been reported in Canada, United Arab Emirates and Lebanon.

Authorities in Iran have closed schools and educational institutions as part of measures to contain the outbreak. The number of deaths compared to the number of infections is higher in Iran than in any other country, including China and South Korea where the outbreak is far more widespread.

In view of the situation, Pakistan, Turkey and Armenia have also closed their borders with Iran.

Meanwhile, government spokesperson Ali Rabiei has rebutted claims that 50 people have died due to the deadly virus. In a news conference on State TV, he said, “We will announce any figures (we have) on the number of deaths throughout the country.”

He added, “We pledge to be transparent about the reporting of figures.”

Government officials in Kuwait, Afghanistan and Bahrain also confirmed that they had detected the first coronavirus cases and are taking all out precautionary measures.

The Bahraini citizen, who arrived from Iran, has been diagnosed with the disease, while three cases reported from Kuwait showed symptoms of coronavirus.

Similarly, four new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in United Kingdom while patients showing virus signs have been reported in different cities of Europe.