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Some Signs of Panic as Coronavirus Appears to Spread from Iran to Neighboring
States

Edward Yeranian

   CAIRO - Iran's health ministry says 60 people have been infected by the
   coronavirus and that 12 people have died, so far, with the holy city of
   Qom being the hardest hit part of the country. Panic over the virus
   appears to be spreading to Iran's neighbors, as well, with cases being
   reported in Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain and Lebanon.

   Iran's health ministry spokesman told journalists Monday that
   authorities are taking strict measures to control the spread of the
   coronavirus. He also defended a decision not to place the Shi'ite holy
   city of Qom under quarantine, saying that doing so would have scared
   people and caused many to flee to other parts of the country, further
   spreading the virus.

   The spokesman went on to say that 60 people have been infected by the
   coronavirus across Iran, with 12 people succumbing to it. He said
   claims on social media of higher casualty figures were false.

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