Newsbrief: First deaths from coronavirus confirmed in the Middle East

(Photo: Wall Street Journal)

by Jake Mott, Shane Duquette, Alexis Briggs
edited by Dina Martucci

Two confirmed deaths from the coronavirus were reported in Iran on Friday, February 21, according to The Wall Street Journal.

As of the 23rd, 17 more victims have been claimed by the virus. These deaths are the first the virus has caused in the Middle East.

The total number of cases in Iran is now as high as 139. The first two victims from Friday had not left Iran, authorities said. A spokesperson for the Iran Healthcares Ministry said their immune systems were not strong enough to stop the virus.

Iran took swift action, quarantining and testing more people, closing schools, and moving forward with emergency measures near the country’s capital. President Hassan Rouhani has also established a coronavirus prevention committee within the country.

The Iranian health administrator Iraj Harirchi, denied any governmental conspiracy of coverup but other officials disagree. However, parliamentarian Ahmad Amirabadi-Farahani said, “There were 50 reported death in the city of Qom alone.

“I categorically deny this information” said Harirchi, telling reporters he is trying to deal with the coronavirus, not deal with political confrontations regarding how Iran is run.

The countries that were quick to respond include: Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, and Egypt. All have cancelled travel to China, while Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have established selective travel. Israel has barred entry from foreigners of countries who have had strong connections to the disease, as well as mandatory quarantines for citizens who are currently in said countries and wish to return.

Eight people outside of China have now died from the virus, where an additional 2,000 and counting have died.