Iran: Authorities reintroduce lockdown measures in Tehran on July 15 /update 35

Event

On Wednesday, July 15, authorities in Tehran reintroduced lockdown measures in the capital following a rise in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases. Gyms, swimming pools, and mosques have been closed, and school tests and exams have been postponed. While the Iranian government does not release death tolls by province, Tehran is believed to have seen around 50 deaths a day out of a nationwide average of 200 a day.

President Hassan Rouhani announced on July 11 that large gatherings, including weddings and funerals, have been banned throughout Iran until further notice due to the recent spike in cases in the country. The wearing of face masks in public places has also been made mandatory. The nationwide measures will remain in place until July 22; however, they may be extended further.

As of Thursday, July 16, health authorities have confirmed 265,561 COVID-19 cases in the country, with 13,410 associated deaths. Further spread of the virus is expected in 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 COVID-19 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.