The report of several coronavirus cases and deaths by Iranian authorities over a short period of time has resulted in accusations from Iranians online of a state cover-up.
The official number of deaths form new coronavirus in Iran was reported at six cases on Saturday and the proved cases raised to 29. More than 700 suspected cases are reportedly under investigation, according to authorities.
Iranians however criticized the officials of covering up the issue for long before its revelation. People have claimed that the government has also kept hiding the truth about the number of people who died from or are currently diagnosed with the virus.
An Iranian man told BBC that his farther died in hospital today and authorities registered the cause of his death as “breathing problem” and that the hospital has at least seven cases of patients with coronavirus, rising suspicion about a possible cover-up by authorities.
Several sources inside the hospitals in the cities of Rasht, Tehran, Sanandaj, Saqez, Arak, Kashan, Tabriz and Qom reported to Avatoday on Saturday that they have "approved" and "suspected" cases. Avatoday could not independently confirm the number.
Iranians have complained online on Saturday over the lack of appropriate services and facilities in the hospitals. There have been also numerous reports of shortage of masks in Iranian pharmacies and even inside the hospitals.
Reports said at least three Iranian nationals, who travelled to United Arab Emirates, Canada and Lebanon in the past few days, are carrying the virus.
