President: Iran Addressing COVID-19 Better Than Europe

Addressing a Sunday session of the Coronavirus Fight National Headquarters, Rouhani reiterated his recent comments that the status of Iran in the battle with the coronavirus pandemic is better than that of Europe, saying it is because the Iranian people, Armed Forces, artists and Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) have joined hands in this fight.

Iran and Europe are both grappling with the coronavirus, but Iranians are struggling with another virus, namely the sanctions, as well, the president added.

“You (Europeans) are faced with one virus, but we have two viruses, however, our people have resisted in such a good manner. We took each other’s hands and cooperated. This is a glory for all of us. Our conditions in the fight against the coronavirus is almost well and better in comparison with certain countries,” he underlined. 

Elsewhere in his remarks, Rouhani said the health restrictions in Iran will be held in place until eradication of COVID-19, saying religious gatherings and rituals will probably be canceled in the holy month of Ramadan, which will begin on April 25.

If the situation remains the same as today, social gatherings in Ramadan will be called off, and people could use the IRIB and social networks to perform religious rites, he added.

The president further unveiled plans for the reopening of low-risk businesses in Tehran as of April 18, saying the Health Ministry is in charge of making the necessary regulations and health protocols.

He also noted that a plan is being formulated to let high-risk businesses resume their activities in future.

Earlier this month, Rouhani unveiled a plan for smart social distancing across the country as a new phase of measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The Iranian Health Ministry announced on Saturday that around 42,000 coronavirus positive cases in the country have fully recovered from the disease.