Iran's coronavirus death toll rises to 34

ANKARA

The death toll from coronavirus in Iran climbed to 34 on Friday, while the number of cases rose to 388.

The country's Health Ministry said another eight people died from the coronavirus on Friday, while 143 new cases were confirmed.

The average age of infected people was 50, while those who died were generally in their 60s, it added.

The highest increase in number of cases was seen in the capital Tehran and the Gilan province, which borders Azerbaijan in the north, according to the ministry.

Among the COVID-19 cases confirmed in Iran are one of the country's vice presidents, the deputy health minister, and six other high-ranking officials.

A total of 73 people have recovered from the disease, the ministry said.

First detected in China last December, the novel coronavirus has spread to more than 45 countries worldwide, including the U.S., U.K., Singapore, France, Russia, Spain and India.

Iran is one of over 45 countries, including the U.S., U.K., Singapore, France, Russia, Spain and India, which account for the over 80,000 COVID-19 cases confirmed around the world.

The global death toll is over 2,800, and China, where the outbreak originated, is the worst hit, with more than 78,000 cases and over 2,700 fatalities.

The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak an international health emergency.