Iran recorded an additional 75 deaths from nCoV, bringing the total death toll in the country to 429.

"We have identified 1,075 new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours," Iranian Ministry of Health spokesman Kianush Jahanpur said on March 12 on national television. Iran so far recorded 10,075 cases of nCoV, while the number of deaths was 429, an increase of 75 cases compared to the previous day.

Numerous high-ranking officials, politicians, clergy and members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) were confirmed to be positive for nCoV. At least 7 politicians and officials have died from nCoV since February 19, the time Iran announced the first cases.

Iranian leaders still struggle to curb the disease despite issuing school closures and suspending religious, cultural and sporting events across the country. Authorities repeatedly urged people to avoid unnecessary trips and remain indoors.

"Stay indoors. Don't go shopping. You will make our work more difficult if you ignore the advice," Iranian Health Minister Saeed Namaki said in a live broadcast.

Covid-19 originated in Wuhan, China in December 2019, appeared in 125 countries and territories, leaving more than 126,000 people infected, more than 4,600 dead and more than 68,000 people recovered. The World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday declared Covid-19 a pandemic and urged nations to deal aggressively.