Tehran reopens schools and mosques in 'low-risk' Covid-19 white-cities

The government plans a general easing of the restrictions introduced in the first phase of the pandemic. The updated toll is 95 thousand infections and over 6200 victims. In the first phase of Ramadan, the authorities promoted ceremonies and functions on a "drive-in" model. Relaxation of restrictions on economic activities also in Jordan and the Emirates.

Tehran (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Iran is ready to reopen mosques and schools in areas where the coronavirus is now receding.  At the same time, the government led by President Hassan Rouhani is planning a general easing of the restrictions introduced in the early stages of the pandemic. For weeks, the Islamic Republic has been the most affected nation in the Middle East since Covid-19, now outnumbered by Turkey for the number of cases, but not for the victims, for which it remains the highest.

According to the updated data for Iran there are about 95 thousand confirmed cases of new coronavirus and the victims are just over 6200.

Since mid-March the Tehran authorities have closed the places of worship and prohibited religious meetings; hence the choice to promote ceremonies with on a "drive-in" model for the whole of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and prayer. For days, state TV and the media have relaunched the images of people in their cars, while they are watching functions projected on maxi-screens in the parking lots of Tehran.

As of today, "mosques in 132 white cities" will be reopened as "low risk". In these areas "Friday sermons will also resume". All the measures, concludes Rouhani, will be taken "in compliance with the health protocols", with reference to the division made by the Ministry of Health into white, yellow and red areas based on the number of infections and victims.

Previously the Islamic Republic had already lifted the ban on travel between cities and ordered the reopening of shopping centers. Schools and universities are closed, cultural and sporting meetings are prohibited. Jordan has also begun easing restrictions on economic activities and in Abu Dhabi the shopping centers are reopening, albeit with limited entrance.