Gov’t Sets New Restrictions to Curb COVID-19
IRAN NEWS NATIONAL DESK
TEHRAN – President Hassan Rouhani announced on Saturday that new COVID-19 related restrictions will be applied in the capitals of 25 provinces and 46 cities of the country for ten days from Wednesday, as the virus cases are on the rise.
Speaking at the National Task Force for Fighting Coronavirus on Saturday, Rouhani stated: “Under this restriction, all activities, mainly related to educational activities and gatherings on various occasions, will be banned for ten days until next Friday.”
Rouhani added: “Restrictions that were previously approved for 43 cities have been extended in this meeting.”
He stressed the need for public cooperation and observing health protocols to contain the disease successfully.
Iranian authorities have blamed a sharp increase in cases on people failing to follow restrictions, and Rouhani said an operations headquarters will be set up to ensure compliance with the health protocols.
Stressing the need for strict implementation of the new restrictions, he said those violating the ban on gatherings, including wedding and mourning ceremonies, will face punishment.
He also noted that detection of the coronavirus patients and analysis of the data on the spread of the disease will be carried out by the Health Ministry in cooperation with the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology.
The president also emphasized the need for “neighborhood instructions” to fight against the contagious disease in every neighborhood and district, saying the local Basij forces can assist in tackling the pandemic.
The President also extended his congratulations on the birth of the Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH) and the arrival of Unity Week.
Meanwhile the official IRNA news agency said Tehran police had extended by one week the closure of businesses including beauty salons, teahouses, cinemas, libraries and fitness clubs.
Police will make unannounced visits to other high-risk businesses, and those that violate health protocols will be shut down, IRNA quoted police official Nader Moradi as saying.
Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raisi said in a televised press briefing that the new restrictions from next week in the 25 provinces and 89 counties will include the closure of institutions such as schools, universities, libraries and mosques.
