Tehran
Iran on Sunday said it will restrict travel to the cities hit hardest by the novel coronavirus, state TV said, amid a record high of daily Covid-19 deaths.
The measure takes effect at Monday midday and will last until Friday, the broadcaster reported, citing an order by the interior ministry.
The restrictions prevent residents from leaving and non-residents from entering based on vehicle plate numbers, but do not apply to public transportation, it added.
It applies to the capitals of 25 provinces considered “red” — the highest level on Iran’s colour-coded risk scale — and includes the capital Tehran with more than 8 million residents. Violators will be fined, the order added.
Limited restrictive measures were imposed on Saturday in those cities, forcing the closure of some public spaces and businesses. Meanwhile, mosques, schools, universities, beauty salons, cafes, gyms, museums, theaters and swimming pools in 25 of Iran’s 31 provinces were ordered to close for 10 days from next Wednesday.
In Tehran, the closure of beauty salons, teahouses, cinemas, libraries and fitness clubs has been extended for a week.
Police will make unannounced visits to other high-risk businesses, and any found to be breaking health rules will be shut down. Weddings, funeral gatherings and conferences in the capital have been banned.
Authorities have blamed a sharp increase in coronavirus cases on people failing to follow restrictions, and President Hassan Rouhani said an operations headquarters would be set up to ensure compliance.
Iran was slow to respond to the pandemic when the first cases emerged there in February, and is now the worst-affected country in the Middle East. It recorded several recent daily fatality and infection highs, with figures on the rise since September.— AN
