File photo: CGTN

TEHRAN, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Vice President for Women and Family Affairs Masoumeh Ebtekar has caught the novel coronavirus, local media reported on Thursday.

Fariba Ebtehaj, chief of public relations of the presidential institution, said that Ebtekar has been tested positive for COVID-19 and is staying at home for treatment, according to the Tasnim News Agency.

Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education said on Thursday that 245 people have been infected with COVID-19 in the country, and among them 26 have died.