Iran says coronavirus restrictions could return if second wave hits
Iran’s president warned the public on Wednesday that restrictions may have to be reimposed to fight the coronavirus if the country is hit by a second wave of infections, after authorities announced the most new cases in a day since March, Reuters reports.
Iran has suffered the worst coronavirus outbreak in the Middle East, forcing it to impose a lockdown that damaged an economy already reeling from the imposition of U.S. sanctions. Restrictions have been gradually lifted since April but have been reimposed in some areas after localised outbreaks.
The health ministry, cited by state media, reported 3,134 new infections in the past twenty four hours, the most since March 30, bringing the total to 160,696. Seventy new deaths brought the toll to 8,012.
“If in any part of the country these warnings aren’t taken seriously and God forbid the outbreak of illness peaks again, the authorities will have to reimpose restrictions,” President Hassan Rouhani said in remarks on his website.
“This issue will create problems for the ordinary life of citizens and will also bring serious economic damage to the society.”
Government employees went back to work and mosques resumed daily prayers on Saturday as part of the relaxation of the lockdown.
Iranian envoy: Next 3+3 meeting to be held in Turkey soon
19 July 2024 / 14:01
Armenian authorities probing military aircraft crash
19 July 2024 / 13:57
Georgian President asks Constitutional Court to repeal foreign agents law
15 July 2024 / 14:53
Armenia kicks off joint military exercise with U.S.
15 July 2024 / 14:48
Armenian Foreign Minister left for New York
15 July 2024 / 14:44
Macron reaffirms support for Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue at meeting with Erdogan
12 July 2024 / 13:33
Masoud Pezeshkian to be inaugurated as Iran's president in three weeks
11 July 2024 / 11:04
Mirzoyan, Blinken discuss bilateral issues in Washington
10 July 2024 / 14:30
U.S. continues to work for diplomatic resolution between Armenia, Azerbaijan
10 July 2024 / 14:19
Armenian FM to travel to Washington
09 July 2024 / 13:33
Reformist Pezeshkian wins Iran's presidential race
08 July 2024 / 13:14
Armenian parliament speaker hails 'productive' talks with U.S. officials
05 July 2024 / 14:32
Astana hosting SCO+ summit with participation of Aliyev and Erdogan
04 July 2024 / 14:40
Armenia-Azerbaijan talks a priority for U.S. – State Dept
04 July 2024 / 13:37
Why does U.S. Congress delegation arrive in Armenia?
03 July 2024 / 13:44