Iran: Authorities begin reopening highways, shopping centers following easing of COVID-19 restrictions April 20 /update 21

Event

On Monday, April 20, Iranian officials announced that intercity highways and shopping centers will begin to reopen in the country, while gyms, restaurants, and cafés are to remain closed until further notice. Authorities state that the decision to reopen parts of the country would enable Iran's economy to recover from a series of measures implemented to restrict the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

On Saturday, April 11, government offices began reopening nationwide, except in Tehran. The partial resumption of "low-risk" economic activity nationwide, except in Tehran province, began on April 11 as well. In addition, school and large gatherings remain suspended. Despite the easing in restrictions, President Hassan Rouhani has urged Iranians to continue respecting the health protocols in place to guard against the spread of the virus.

As of April 20, Iranian officials have confirmed a total of 82,211 cases of COVID-19 in the country, including 5118 associated deaths. Iran remains the country most affected by COVID-19 in the Middle East.

Further international spread of the virus is to be expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.