Iran coronavirus death toll rises to 34 as number of infected hits 388 – Health Ministry

Some 34 people have died so far in Iran due to coronavirus infections, a Health Ministry spokesman said on Friday. The total number of people diagnosed with the disease is 388, he said in an announcement broadcast by state TV.

The death toll in Iran is by far the highest number outside China. The total number of infected people on Thursday stood at 245, including several senior officials.

The outbreak prompted authorities to call off Friday prayers in the capitals of 23 of Iran’s 31 provinces, including Tehran and the Shiite Muslim holy cities of Qom and Mashhad as well as some other infected areas, Reuters said.