03 Feb 2021 | 02:56 AM UTC
Iran: Authorities extend night traffic ban to all cities nationwide as of Feb. 3 /update 31
Authorities extend night traffic ban to all cities in Iran as of Feb. 3; hours reduced to 2100-0300. Other measures remain in place.
Event
Iranian authorities have extended the night traffic ban to all cities nationwide as of Feb. 3 to curb the spread of COVID-19. The curfew hours however, have been reduced by one hour to 2100-0300.
The Ministry of Health has divided the country into blue, yellow, orange, and red zones depending on the COVID-19 fatality rate and extent of the outbreak, with blue being the lowest threat. Authorities continue to ban travel in and out of red, orange, and yellow cities. In orange and yellow cities, most shopping malls are open, and employees in government workplaces can operate with reduced capacity. Educational institutions and places of worship, however, remain closed. As of Feb. 3, there are no red cities, 18 orange cities, 124 yellow cities, and 306 blue cities.
Travel Restrictions
The passenger capacity of domestic airlines is limited to 60 percent per safe-distancing guidelines.
International flights remain operational; however, authorities have halted issuing tourist visas since Aug. 1, 2020, effectively banning all leisure travel to the country. Travelers to Iran - both citizens and foreign nationals - must submit a negative COVID-19 test taken within the previous 96 hours before boarding. Citizens who have not taken the test will have to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival at a government-designated site at their own cost. Authorities will deny entry to foreign nationals arriving without a negative COVID-19 test.
Additionally, travelers from Europe will be tested again upon arrival and have to quarantine for 14 days even if they have a negative COVID-19 test.
Iranian authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all business appointments and travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.
Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.
