Around 600 people have died and thousands are in hospital in Iran from drinking neat alcohol following a false coronavirus 'cure' claim.
The country has seen more than 62,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19, with more than 4,000 deaths.
And in a desperate bid to fight the virus, a worrying number of people have drunk high-concentration alcohol with the false belief it will protect them.
It has led to thousands being poisoned.
We previously reported how dozens had died from the false rumour - but a significant number of others have now suffered the same fate.
Iranian judicial spokesman Gholam Hossein Esmaili said: "The numbers are very high and are beyond our expectations.
"Alcohol consumption is not a cure but can be lethal."
Speaking to state-run Tasnim News Agency, he added: "A number of people have been arrested... and we will deal with them decisively.
"They must be held accountable for their criminal acts, for causing death and damage to citizens."
At present there is no known cure or vaccine for coronavirus. Human trials are set to begin imminently.
The World Health Organization advises that to prevent infection and to slow transmission of Covid-19, do the following:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub.
- Maintain at least 1 metre distance between you and people coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Stay home if you feel unwell.
- Refrain from smoking and other activities that weaken the lungs.
- Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people.
Meanwhile, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani today said 'high-risk' business will remain closed until further notice.
He also urged the International Monetary Fund to give the country its requested $5 billion emergency funding to help Tehran fight the coronavirus outbreak.
"I urge international organisations to fulfill their duties ... we are a member of the IMF ... There should be no discrimination in giving loans," Rouhani said in a televised cabinet meeting.
