Religious Curbs to Ease in Virus-Free Zones

Iran’s COVID-19 taskforce is set to divide the country into three zones based on the extent of coronavirus transmissions to prioritize the relaxation of restrictions on religious and holy sites.

Iran’s COVID-19 taskforce is set to divide the country into three zones based on the extent of coronavirus transmissions to prioritize the relaxation of restrictions on religious and holy sites.

President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday announced that Iran will be split into three zones, “white” regions that have reported no new coronavirus cases, “yellow” zones with a moderate number of infections and “red” zones where the spread of the virus is alarming.

Rouhani explained, “If the Health Ministry says a city has reported no new cases, no deaths and the recovery rate is high for seven days and the trend repeats itself for a second week, the area will be declared ‘white’ zone,” ISNA reported.

“Any province or city pronounced ‘white’ can open its religious sites and hold Friday prayers,” he added.

The closure of mosques provoked an outcry following the start of the holy month of Ramadan when worshippers gather for communal prayer and breaking their daylong fast.

The headquarters for fighting the pandemic is still deliberating whether to open high-risk businesses in areas listed as “white”. As per the Smart Distancing Initiative, Iran has allowed the nationwide reopening of low- and medium-risk businesses to reduce the economic impact of the health crisis.

According to the president, there are currently 127 “white” cities across the country and they can reopen mosques and gather for Friday prayers while observing health protocols set by the Health Ministry. 

Health Ministry Spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour noted that there are more than 300 “white” regions.

The list of cities included in the “white” zone will be announced in the coming days.