Iran closes down schools, universities as coronavirus death toll risesMarch 5, 2020 - 18:24 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran closed down schools and universities on Thursday, March 5 for a month to prevent a further spread of the new coronavirus disease, as the death toll from the virus continues to rise across the country, the Middle East Eye reports. Iranian authorities, however, have ruled out quarantining the city of Qom, which has become the epicentre for the virus in the Middle East. "People should not consider this as an opportunity to go travelling. They should stay at home and take our warnings seriously," said Iranian Health Minister Saeed Namaki. Namaki said that the number of diagnosed cases for the coronavirus had reached 3,513, with the death toll rising to 107. Earlier, the minister said all schools and universities will be closed until the end of the Iranian calendar year on March 20. Iran has reported a higher deaths-to-infections ratio when compared to other countries, sparking fears that the number of people infected may be higher than current figures show. Several MPs and top officials have been infected by the virus, with a senior adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dying from the illness. Photo. Reuters Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |