Provincial Officials Authorized to Decide about COVID Lockdowns in Iran


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi put provincial officials in charge of making decisions about coronavirus-related restrictions or lockdowns as the omicron variant of the virus has triggered the sixth wave of the pandemic in the country.

In comments at a Saturday meeting of the Coronavirus Fight National Headquarters, Raisi said the decision as to whether the COVID-related restrictions or public closures are enforced in a city or county will be left to the discretion of the provincial officials.

He said the limitations under the new wave of the pandemic will not be imposed countrywide like the past and should be confined to regions.

The president also stressed the need for strict compliance with the health protocols in the crowded places, such as the pilgrimage sites and the public transportation, including the subway.

The number of Iranians diagnosed with the coronavirus and the daily death toll across the country have notably increased in the past recent days.