Head of Iran's coronavirus task force tests positive for the virus

A sanitary worker disinfects the Masumeh shrine
(Image credit: Mehdi Marizad / Getty Images)

Iran's deputy health minister, who has been in charge of the country's coronavirus task force, has now tested positive for the coronavirus.

Authorities announced Iraj Harirchi's diagnosis on Tuesday, The Associated Press reports, with this coming just a day after he participated in a news conference that had sparked questions about his health. The AP notes that during that conference, Harirchi tried to minimize the virus' threat.

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Brendan Morrow

Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.