[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The number of deaths caused by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in Iran has risen to six, making it the highest death toll outside of China. The number of confirmed cases also increased by 10, reaching 28, as the damage continues to spread.
On the 22nd (local time), the Iranian Ministry of Health announced that the number of COVID-19 deaths increased by two to six, and the number of confirmed cases rose by 10 to a total of 28. In terms of deaths, this is the highest figure outside China, and the fatality rate reaches 20%, which is significantly higher than the 0.2% announced by the World Health Organization (WHO). Iran is currently the only place in the Middle East where deaths from COVID-19 have been reported.
In Iran, two COVID-19 cases were first confirmed on the 19th, followed by three on the 20th, and 13 on the 21st. Deaths occurred with two on the 19th, two on the 21st, and another two on the 22nd. The Iranian Ministry of Health explained that among the newly confirmed cases on the 22nd, two were confirmed in Tehran, and the remaining eight in Qom.
Qom, a religious city in central Iran, was the first place in Iran where confirmed cases appeared and has since been called the "epicenter of COVID-19," with infections concentrated there. Qom is a religious site visited by Shia Muslim pilgrims and is known for its religious educational institutions, attracting many international students. Iranian health authorities estimate that COVID-19 spread rapidly through pilgrimages and worship services at shrines.
On the 22nd, Iranian authorities issued temporary school closures in Qom and the neighboring city of Arak. Restaurants and drinking fountains in Tehran subway stations were all closed. Additionally, cultural events such as art exhibitions, concerts, and film screenings that gather people across Iran were canceled for the upcoming week.
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