Leader Highlights Iran’s Transparency about Coronavirus Response

TEHRAN (defapress) – Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei highlighted Iranian officials’ transparency about the novel coronavirus outbreak in the country, saying the transient problem which has worked as a “gneral exercise” will not last long.

News ID: 80399

Date: 03 March 2020 - 16:58

In remarks on Tuesday after planting two saplings to mark the national Week of Natural Resources, Ayatollah Khamenei noted that many countries in the world are gripped by the outbreak of COVID-19.

While the Iranian authorities have publicized the news of the disease with “sincerity and transparency” since the first day, “some other countries in which the disease is more severe and prevalent are hiding the truth,” the Leader added.

Ayatollah Khamenei also praised Iranian physicians, nurses and healthcare personnel for their efforts to contain the coronavirus epidemic, saying their devotion to duty reflects the true sense of responsibility and humanitarian commitment.

The Leader then underscored that the recommendations and instructions issued by the health officials for preventing and containing the disease must be followed. “These orders must not be ignored, because God has obliged us to feel responsible for the health of ourselves and others.”

Whatever contributes to the health of the society and prevents the spread of the coronavirus is a merit and whatever results in the spread of the diseases is a sin, Ayatollah Khamenei stated.

The Leader called on all Iranian organizations to cooperate with the Health Ministry, which is “at the forefront of the war” on the coronavirus, and to provide the ministry with whatever help necessary.

“The Armed Forces and the organizations affiliated with the Leader’s Office have also been ordered to do so,” Ayatollah Khamenei stated.

Although the coronavirus outbreak is not a trivial issue, it should not be exaggerated either, because it is a “transient and not extraordinary” problem, the Leader said. “This problem will be in the country for a not-too-long period, and will then go away, but the experiences from it and the activities of people and organizations which are similar to a general war game could remain as an achievement.”

Ayatollah Khamenei also hailed the popular acts of kindness in providing financial help or distributing medical supplies, saying that maintaining such values will turn disasters and threats into opportunities.

The death toll from the novel coronavirus epidemic in Iran rose to 77 on Tuesday, and the total number of confirmed cases of infection reached 2,336. At least 435 people have also recovered from the disease in Iran.

The novel coronavirus has killed more than 3,000 people worldwide, the vast majority in mainland China. There have been more than 88,000 global cases, with infections on every continent except Antarctica.

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