TEHRAN (Iran News) – Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei Tuesday called on Iranians to stick to hygiene guidelines to prevent the novel coronavirus from spreading.

“The health care guidelines for preventing infection from this virus should be observed,” Ayatollah Khamenei, who was wearing gloves as he planted two saplings ahead of Iran’s Arbor Day, said on national television.

“These orders should not at all be violated as God has obliged us to take responsibility for our own health and for that of others; therefore, anything that contributes to the society’s health and helps prevent the spread of the disease is a virtue and, [on the contrary], whatever facilitates its spread is a sin.”

The Leader further assigned all state entities, his own office, as well as the Armed Forces with the task of fully cooperating with the Health Ministry, which is at the forefront of the fight against the coronavirus.

Ayatollah Khamenei gave assurances that the disaster was only transient and not of monumental dimension and that it could be brought under control in due time.

“Of course, I don’t mean to underestimate the issue, but we should not also exaggerate it either. This issue will not last long and will pass, but the experience it brings as well as the efforts made by the people and institutions are like a collective exercise that could be used as an achievement,” he said.

The Leader once again thanked doctors, nurses and the country’s entire medical community for their invaluable endeavors, saying they are “engaged in a holy fight on the path of God.”

Ayatollah Khamenei also expressed his gratitude to the medics’ families who are exercising patience while their loved ones are making round-the-clock efforts to rein in the disease.

He lauded the Iranian officials’ “transparency” in disseminating information about the outbreak and said some other countries have tried to conceal their figures on the fatal disease.

“The coronavirus has affected many countries. Our officials have reported with sincerity and transparency since day one. However, some countries where the outbreak has been more serious have tried to hide it. Of course, we ask God to heal the sick in those countries too,” the Leader said.