Breaking: Iran’s Vice President Tests Positive for Coronavirus

Iranian Vice President Masoumeh Ebtekar has become infected with the coronavirus, state news in Tehran reported Thursday, adding to the already mounting concern in the country as the virus continues to spread.

Ebtekhar, who advises President Hassan Rouhani on family and women’s matters, was placed under quarantine. Iran has struggled to contain the spread of the virus, which causes a disease called COVID-19, and also confirmed Thursday that 26 people in Iran have died from the virus. More than 400 are suspected of carrying it, and Iran has confirmed 245 cases.

Iranian government has closed down educational and cultural institutions across the country, and reportedly distributed hundreds of thousands of “sanitation packs” to help contain the virus.