Tasnim � Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyed Abbas Mousavi dismissed as untrue rumors that Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has tested positive for the coronavirus, saying he is in complete health.

In remarks on Friday, Mousavi rejected some rumors spreading in social media claiming that Zarif has contracted the new coronavirus.

�Thank God, he is in complete health and has not tested because he has no symptoms,� Mousavi said in a statement.

The remarks came as the Iranian Health Ministry�s public relations director said since the outbreak of the new coronavirus known as COVID-19 in the country, 124 people have lost their lives and 913 others have completely recovered from the infectious disease.

Speaking to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting on Friday, Kianoush Jahanpour said since yesterday (Thursday), the total number of coronavirus cases has increased by 1224, reaching 4747.

Iran�s administration on Thursday extended the closure of all schools and universities nationwide until the end of the current Iranian year (March 19) as the country is struggling with the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

Medical staffs in 21 provinces of Iran have been working tirelessly over the past weeks to contain the novel coronavirus that has originated from China.

Several high-ranking officials, including the deputy health minister and five lawmakers, have tested positive for the coronavirus as the spread of the outbreak forced the government to call on people to stay at home.