Iran Handling Coronavirus Outbreak Better Than U.S , Europe
IRAN NEWS NATIONAL DESK
TEHRAN – President Hassan Rouhani says Iran has handled the novel coronavirus outbreak better than Europe and the United States, assuring that the country’s stocks of basic commodities are replenished better than ever.
“We had a sanctions virus, to which the coronavirus was added, but you did not have the sanctions virus. You have one virus while we have two viruses,” he said Sunday, addressing Europe and the United States.
“We did better than you in the fight against the coronavirus,” he said during a meeting of the National Headquarters for Managing and Fighting the Coronavirus.
President Rouhani said in fighting the virus, the Iranian people resisted well, took each other’s hands and helped and assisted each other.
“This is an honor for all, for all our loved ones and people. Yes, our situation is relatively good in the fight against the disease and the dangerous virus, and our situation is better in comparison with some countries.”
Iran has been among the countries hardest hit by the highly contagious virus that first showed up in China in late December 2019 before spreading across the globe.
Illegal U.S. sanctions have hampered the virus fight in Iran, which has confirmed more than 70,000 infections since the outbreak was reported in the country in late February.
Rouhani said religious gatherings would probably be cancelled during the holy fasting month of Ramadan due to the outbreak, noting that the national committee fighting the coronavirus would decide on the issue in its upcoming meeting.
“During the month of Ramadan, people usually hold various events at mosques … reciting the Qur’an and praying. The final decision on this issue will be made in the next meeting,” he said.
Ramadan will begin in late this month and last through most of May, with Muslims fasting from dawn until sunset.
He also said the Iranian people may travel within provinces as of today (Apr. 12) and travel to other provinces as of Apr. 20.
He also announced that low-risk businesses will resume work in the capital, Tehran, as of April 18.
These businesses can start work while abiding by relevant health protocols, he said at a meeting of the National Coronavirus Headquarters.
These businesses can start work while abiding by relevant health protocols, he said at a meeting of the National Coronavirus Headquarters.
As part of the smart social distancing plan, low-risk businesses have already resumed work in all provinces other than Tehran as of April 11, he added.
He said businesses which are resuming work are required to register on a website specified for the same purpose by the health ministry.
President Rouhani added discussions were also held on the resumption of work for high-risk businesses.
“In a meeting we had with heads of committees [of the National Coronavirus Headquarters], it was decided that they draw up plans for high-risk businesses as well in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education as well as the Ministry of Industries, Mine and Trade, and that the decisions be implemented whenever the plan is ready in compliance with relevant protocols and directives,” he added.
The president also urged citizens to preferably use their personal cars rather than public transportation as part of social distancing measures.
