TEHRAN: A member of a council that advises Iran’s supreme leader, Mohammad Mirmohammadi, passed away on Monday after contracting coronavirus disease at the age of 71, Time has quoted Iranian state radio as reporting.

This is first top official falling victim to the widespread infection. He was admitted to a hospital in Iran’s capital. Iran has the highest death tolls after China and the virus has entered Pakistan through Iran’s border.

More than 1000 people have been tested positive for coronavirus, while 66 have died. Majority of the Middle East cases have a link to Iran.

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Meanwhile, the virus has accelerated in Italy with death toll risen to 34 and total number of infections to over 700.             

The number of infections has also risen in the United Kingdom to 36. 

World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed confidence in how the Pakistani government treated the country’s novel coronavirus outbreak.

“I am impressed by the swift and diligent way, the government has handled the crisis so far,” WHO’s Pakistan representative Dr Palitha Mahipala said.

He added that the health organization was committed to supporting every step of the way for the region.

So far at least four coronavirus cases have been reported in Pakistan.