Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Tehran on Tuesday, Namaki slammed those who question the Health Ministry’s reports on the coronavirus cases and the death toll.
“In this case, the WHO director-general Mr. Tedros (Adhanom Ghebreyesus) reviewed our statistics and issued a statement, declaring that Iran’s reporting system was completely correct, flawless and reliable,” he added.
In remarks on Monday, the WHO director-general said the world body has not found any concrete evidence proving that Iran had been covering up the severity of the coronavirus epidemic in the country.
“I wouldn’t frame any country without any reason or without having any fact,” Ghebreyesus told CNBC news channel when asked about the media hype revolving around Iran and accusing the country of covering up the severity of the new coronavirus epidemic
“There are reports that come from the media… but this is the WHO, you know, this is a technical organization and should check the facts. We cannot say what journalists say,” he added.
“I say if we followed journalists’ reports, whether it’s well done or not, then where we end.”
According to Iran’s Health Ministry, the death toll from the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran rose to 77 on Tuesday, with the confirmed cases of infection surpassing 2,336.
Medical staffs in 20 provinces of Iran have been working tirelessly over the past days to contain the novel coronavirus that has originated from China.
Following the increase of coronavirus increase, the Iranian government ordered the shutting of schools and universities and a ban on concerts and sports events.
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.