Iran Is Slowly Rising From COVID-19 And Will Soon Open Mosques And Schools

Masjid Atiq di Isfahan, Iran (Zahra Khalili / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Iran plans to reopen mosques and schools in areas that are consistently free of COVID-19. This was done when the government of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani began to relax restrictions on activities previously aimed at controlling the outbreak.

The mosques were closed and religious gatherings banned since mid-March as the significant spread of COVID-19 spreads in the Middle Eastern country. At that time, Iran was the country worst affected by COVID-19.

Iranians then switched to using the drive-in system to attend religious activities during the month of Ramadan. State TV and videos on social media showed people in their cars attending religious ceremonies on the big screen in a car park in Tehran.

“Mosques will reopen in 132 low-risk cities or 'white cities' starting Monday. Kutbah Friday prayers will be continued in those areas as well. However, all these steps will be taken with respect to health protocols, "President Rouhani told a televised meeting.

Iran's Ministry of Health has also divided the country into white, yellow and red areas. The classification is based on the number of confirmed COVID-19 and death toll.

The Health Ministry said on Saturday, May 2 that COVID-19 transmission in Iran is now experiencing a gradual downward trend. On Sunday, May 3, the Health Ministry said the number of deaths from COVID-19 in the country had risen to 6,203 and the total number of confirmed cases stood at 97,424.

Iran has also lifted a ban on intercity travel and a ban on activities in malls. Many large shopping centers have started to resume activities despite warnings from several health officials about the threat of a second wave of COVID-19.

The closure of schools and universities will continue. In addition, cultural and sports gatherings are still banned, although Rouhani said it is planned that some schools will reopen soon.

"Schools in white and low-risk areas will reopen starting May 16. However, we will continue to review the situation," Rouhani said.

Many countries are starting to plan to lift or loosen restrictions on activities. In South Korea (South Korea), on May 6, there will be loosening of social distancing rules that allow business reopening in stages. South Korea has managed to control most of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The South Korean government will also continue business activities in various sectors which have remained closed until now. The plan also allows for permits for meetings and events to follow disinfection guidelines.