Iranian President Express Hope Coronavirus Pandemic Takes Downfall Trend

Speaking at the meeting between heads of the three branches of power on Thursday, on fighting the novel coronavirus, the president appreciated people for observing health protocols and recommendations, especially by staying home, adding, "I hope that coronavirus outbreak takes a downward trend with people keep cooperating".

During the meeting between President Hassan Rouhani, Judiciary Chief Seyed Ebrahim Raeisi, Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani, the three examined the impacts of coronavirus outbreak on the country with the president referring to the report by the Minister of Roads and Urban Development about the decreasing trend of travel, saying, "I hope people heed these recommendations more seriously".

"As the health officials have said, if this trend continues, we can hope that the trend of spread of the disease will decrese".

President Rouhani also assigned the Interior Minister to examine populated centers in the target provinces to close down shopping malls until April 3 if necessary with the exception of essential places like drug and distribution centers."

The President also emphasized following the instructions by health officials stressing that the Ministry of Health should implement special protocols for all people’s activities, including businesses and manufacturing centers that must remain active".

“There have also good decisions been made to provide support packages to families and households who have been affected largely by lack of fixed payment or certain jobs relying on the times of Nowruz for their businesses," Rouhani said.

The President further emphasized the need to pay attention to education, culture and information on the prevention of coronavirus, saying, "All institutions are required to provide training and information on compliance with health protocols and measures to combat COVID-19".

Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, President's Chief of Staff, Health Minister Saeed Namaki, Vice-President for Science and Technology Affairs, Vice president for economic affairs Mohammad Nahavandian and Minister of Roads and Urban Development were also present during the meeting.