Ghanbar Naderi
Press TV, Tehran
Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khamenei has called on the country’s Health Ministry, nurses and doctors to mobilize nationwide efforts to prevent and control the coronavirus outbreak. He hailed their invaluable efforts in adopting the most comprehensive, rigorous and thorough prevention and control measures.
The leader also wished success for medical teams in their fight against the disease, which he described as a difficult and momentous task, while expressing hope that the virus will be uprooted soon.
The Health Ministry has confirmed new cases of virus infections that raise the number of patients to more than 200. This is while medical experts say the country is opening new labs and hospitals to help control the outbreak. They say public contribution will play a crucial role in tackling the crisis, while urging people to avoid unnecessary trips.
The virus first emerged in China last year and is now spreading in Europe and across the Middle East, sparking fears of a global pandemic. The virus is spreading rapidly in the region, with cases recorded in many countries.
Authorities have ordered the closure of schools, universities and cultural events in a bid to contain the outbreak. This is while free masks are being distributed among the people, with priority given to cities that have reported coronavirus cases.