Thread by @HeshmatAlavi

#BREAKING
Initial tests confirm two cases of the Corona virus in the city of Qom, central #Iran.

The regime has been keeping a lid on all reports of Corona cases in Iran, fearing concerns will prevent people from taking part in Friday's parliamentary elections.

Reminder:
#Iran's Deputy Minister for Roads & Transportation said Mahan Air (affiliated to the IRGC) "has been allowed a limited number of flights" to China despite a general government ban on flights to prevent a coronavirus outbreak in the country.
en.radiofarda.com/a/iran-s-sanct…

#BREAKING
Report:
-At least four suspicious deaths in Greater Tehran prison. Other inmates told they have brain meningitis.
-Numerous prisoners quarantined in a room. Other inmates told they have influenza. Signs indicate a suspicious illness that could be the Coronavirus.

#UPDATE
Feb 19 - Qom, central #Iran
Both individuals testing positive for the coronavirus are now dead.

My take:
Officials are not revealing the true number of people infected & fatalities to not lower voter turn-out in Friday's parliamentary election.
jpost.com/Breaking-News/…

#UPDATE
BBC: Reports indicate 25 other patients in the same hospital in Qom, central #Iran, could also be inflicted with the coronavirus. They are placed in ICU.
Hospital official says respiratory illnesses in Qom have increased in the passed four days.

#UPDATE
-After China, #Iran has the highest number of #coronavirus deaths
-Singapore, South Korea & Japan have 78 cases but not two deaths
-WHO report on Feb 18: 1,021 people infected outside of China, 3 dead
-Feb 19: Iran reports two cases & two deaths in just one day

#BREAKING
Qom, central #Iran
-Reports indicate six coronavirus cases
-All schools, university & education centers across the province will closed for Thursday to evaluate the situation.
-Rumors: Officials are transferring coronavirus patients from Tehran to Qom.
#CoVid19

#UPDATE
Footage from Qom, central #Iran
-Kamkar Hospital at high alert status
-Reports indicate 200 patients from various hospitals have been released have facilities ready to cope with coronavirus crisis.
-Farghani Hospital to be at high alert from Thursday

#UPDATE
-Footage shows anti-riot units dispatched to Qom, central #Iran. Authorities fear protests after reports of coronavirus cases.
-State media reporting six confirmed coronavirus patients; families & close friends also quarantined.

#UPDATE
Feb 19 - Tehran, #Iran
Farmaniyeh Hospital - Patient possibly infected with coronavirus transferred by ambulance from Qom.

Authorities claim only six patients are confirmed. Transferring a patient to Tehran could mean hospitals in Qom can't cope with the crisis.

#UPDATE
Feb 19 - Qom, #Iran
Massive deployment of security & anti-riot units, including special water-cannon vehicles.
This further indicates that regime officials are more concerned about a new wave of protests than the coronavirus outbreak.