Tehran, IRNA- Health Minister Bahram Einollahi has dismissed reports that a new virus causing respiratory disease might have entered Iran.

Addressing concerns about the spread of a new respiratory illness in China, Einollahi told IRNA on Sunday that the World Health Organization (WHO) has not confirmed any outbreak of a new virus, and that Iran has not been affected.

“For about two months now, we have witnessed the spread of a type of cold among our fellow Iranians, the origin of which is the influenza virus,” the minister said.

He emphasized that currently only five percent of flu-related hospitalizations around the country are linked to the coronavirus.

Einollahi advised the public to rest if they catch a cold and avoid participating in gatherings.

Additionally, if they need to go outside, they should wear masks and observe social distancing guidelines, he cautioned.

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