23 Iranian MPs have coronavirus, state TV reports

A total of 23 Iranian MPs are believed to have been tested positive for coronavirus.

The infections in Iran, one of the worst affected countries, was announced by the Iranian parliament’s deputy speaker.

Semi-official news agencies in Iran said the head of the state’s emergency medical services has caught the illness, also called Covid-19.

State television there also carried quotes that 23 MPs now had the virus, reports said.

Iran is one of the worst hit countries from the virus, according to official statistics.

More than 2,000 cases have been recorded, as of Tuesday morning, with 77 deaths.

Fears continue to grow for British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who is being held in prison in Iran.

Her husband, Richard Ratcliffe, said his wife his showing symptoms of the disease but has not been tested yet.

Evin jail has seen an outbreak of coronavirus and her family has tried to secure help for her.

Labour MP Tulip Siddiq tweeted on Tuesday: “News from Iranian Ambassador that my constituent Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe may be released on furlough today or tomorrow from prison in Iran.

“If this is true, Nazanin would welcome leaving Evin jail, but we’ve been here before.

“If this furlough happens, the British government has an obligation to make it permanent, and not let her be used as a bargaining chip in the weeks to come.

“I remain concerned that Nazanin has told her family that she has still not been tested for coronavirus. ”

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