Iran’s government spokesman tests positive for COVID-19

According to his office, Ali Rabiei has been hospitalized but is in good condition.
Iranian Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi (L) wipes the sweat off his face, during a press conference with the Islamic republic's government spokesman Ali Rabiei in the capital Tehran on February 24, 2020. - Iran's deputy health minister confirmed on February 25, that he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, amid a major outbreak in the Islamic republic. Harirchi coughed occasionally and appeared to be sweating during the press conference with Rabiei in Tehran. (Photo by Mehdi BOLOURIAN / FARS N
Iranian Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi (L) wipes the sweat off his face during a press conference with the Islamic Republic's government spokesman Ali Rabiei in the capital Tehran on Feb. 24, 2020. - MEHDI BOLOURIAN/FARS NEWS/AFP via Getty Images
Al Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East
Al-Monitor Staff

Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei has been hospitalized with the novel coronavirus, the semi-official Mehrs News Agency said Monday, making him the latest official to contract the deadly virus. 

His office said in a statement that Rabiei, who is also an adviser to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, “has been hospitalized for further analysis” but that his “overall conditions are good.” His weekly press conference has been canceled. 

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