Covid-19 Updates: Iran: 18,407 People Infected, 1,284 Deaths

Iran: the number of dead rises to 1,284 and the number of infected to 18,407

Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raisi Heal Thursday reported that 1,046 new Covid-19 cases and 149 deaths have been confirmed in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of deaths to 1,284. The Persian nation currently has 18,407 people infected, some 6,000 of whom have been discharged.

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The Health Ministry has urged Iranians to stay at home and avoid unnecessary displacement; however, many citizens have taken advantage of the start of the Persian New Year holidays to travel.

Although the year 1399 will begin on March 19, the roads dawned jammed with vehicles that sought to leave for tourist sites. Authorities have deployed officials to monitor travelers' temperatures.

On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Mohamad Yavad Zarif acknowledged that his country faces "multiple historical challenges" and criticized the United States for its unilateral sanctions, which prevent Iran from carrying out banking transactions and buying medical supplies.