Iran state media: Two citizens dead from COVID-19

A computer image created by Nexu Science Communication together with Trinity College in Dublin, shows a model structurally representative of a betacoronavirus which is the type of virus linked to COVID-19, better known as the coronavirus linked to the Wuhan outbreak, shared with Reuters on February 18, 2020. (NEXU Science Communication/via REUTERS )

Iran's state-run IRNA agency reported on Wednesday two elderly Iranian citizens have died from COVID-19.

An adviser to the country's health minister said the two victims were located in Qom, a city 140 kilometers (86 miles) south of Tehran.

Schools and universities in Qom would be closed so investigations can take place, the news agency added.

Just hours earlier, Iranian authorities had confirmed the country's first two cases of the coronavirus. The health ministry said the patients were placed in isolation but they later died.