Iranian women wearing masks at the Grand Bazaar in Tehran, February 20, 2020 (Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA)
Iran’s record Coronavirus toll is falling after new restrictions in the capital Tehran and more than 150 other cities.
The Health Ministry announced 11,561 cases on Sunday, the lowest number since November 14. The 294 deaths are the lowest since October 18.
Iran’s cases almost quadrupled and deaths rose by 150% since early October, reaching records of 14,051 cases on November 27 and 483 deaths on November 24.
Sunday’s figures are still well above the 4,000 daily cases and about 200 deaths on Oct. 6.
The Islamic Republic’s official toll is 1,040,547 cases and 50,310 deaths. More than 5,800 patients are in critical condition.
After holding out for months against lockdowns, amid Iran’s economic crisis, the Rouhani Government finally acted last month. An eight-point plan closed businesses and other public spaces in cities designated as “red zones”, with only 1/3 of employees travelling to work. Curfews from 9 pm to 4 am were imposed on traffic.
All shops in Tehran, including the Grand Bazaar, were ordered on November 21 to close for two weeks. Only supermarkets, bakeries, food stores, and pharmacies remained open.
President Hassan Rouhani announced last week that some restrictions would be eased, including the move of Tehran from “red zone” to “orange zone”, but pledged enforcement of fines on those who do not observe social distancing.
See also President Rouhani: Iran Coronavirus Restrictions to Be Eased Amid 20% Drop in Daily Deaths
Rouhani cautioned the National Coronavirus Task Force on Sunday, “Tehran is in orange status but on the borderline. All people and the executive agencies should try to implement the instructions and regulations well.”
He added, “Care should not be neglected in the hope of vaccination.”