TEHRAN: An Iranian MP who contracted the novel coronavirus has died, a state-run news agency has reported, amid a sharp rise in the number of cases in the Islamic Republic.
Mohammad Ali Ramazani Dastak, who was elected as the representative for Astana Ashrafieh last week, is believed to have tested positive for the illness a few days ago.
He died on Saturday morning after being taken to hospital with “influenza and chemical injuries” sustained in the Iran-Iraq war, according to the Iranian Students News Agency.
Iran, which has the highest death toll outside China, has ordered the shutting of schools until Tuesday and the government has extended the closure of universities and a ban on concerts and sports events for a week, Reuters reported.
Several high-ranking officials, including a vice minister, deputy health minister and five lawmakers, have tested positive for the coronavirus as the rapid spread of the outbreak forced the government to call on people to stay at home.
(With inputs from agencies)
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