Tasnim � The Iranian Army Ground Force inaugurated �a jihadi base� with the aim of combating the coronavirus epidemic in the Islamic Republic as the infectious disease has killed dozens in the country.

The base was inaugurated during a ceremony held in Tehran on Sunday with top commanders, including Commander of the Iranian Army Ground Force Brigadier General Kiomars Heidari, in attendance.

Brigadier General Heidari visited the Army Ground Force�s �jihadi base� and its health equipment and supplies and was briefed on the latest measures taken by the base to contain the coronavirus outbreak.

Jihad in Islam refers to efforts for a good cause.

On Saturday, Spokesman for Iran�s National Headquarters for Coronavirus Management Kianoush Jahanpour said the total number of patients with the infectious disease since the first day of the outbreak to date is 593, of whom 43 have died, adding that 123 patients have also recovered.

Medical staffs in 20 provinces of Iran have been working tirelessly over the past week to contain the novel coronavirus that has originated from China.

Following the increase of coronavirus increase, the Iranian government ordered the shutting of schools until Tuesday and extended the closure of universities and a ban on concerts and sports events for a week.

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.

The rapid spread of the coronavirus has fuelled fears of a pandemic, with six countries reporting their first cases this week as the World Health Organization raised its global risk alert to �very high�. In China, it has killed more than 2,800 people and infected about 79,000 after it emerged late last year in the central city of Wuhan.