Iran extends social distancing plan until April 8

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday announced the extension of social distancing plan for another week, state TV reported.

"Social distancing measures will be maintained until April 8" and it requires citizens' cooperation beside law enforcement, Rouhani said, addressing the National Headquarters for Managing and Fighting the Coronavirus.

On March 27, Iran announced the implementation of a one-week social distancing plan requiring all schools, universities, shopping malls, parks, sports complexes, swimming pools and entertainment facilities to be closed for the period, with the aim of stopping gatherings and avoiding unnecessary movements.

The authorities have also asked people to avoid celebrating the Nature Day in Iran on the first day of April to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education on Tuesday reported a total of 44,606 cases of novel coronavirus infection, of whom 2,898 have died.

(ASIA PACIFICI DAILY)