This archive report was first published on 28 June 2020.
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has announced a new measure to combat the spread of Covid-19, making mask-wearing mandatory in certain areas starting next week.
According to Rouhani, mask-wearing will be obligatory in covered spaces where there are gatherings, and the measure will come into force as of next week, continuing until July 22 and potentially being extended if necessary.
The health ministry has devised a clear list of high-risk spaces and gatherings, but Rouhani did not elaborate on the details.
Deputy health minister Iraj Harirchi warned that services will not be given to those without masks in areas such as government organisations and shopping malls.
Iran has struggled to contain the outbreak, with over 220,000 cases and more than 10,000 deaths reported since the first cases were announced on February 19.
Official figures have shown a rising trajectory in new confirmed cases since early May, with some previously unscathed provinces classified as 'red' – the highest level on Iran's colour-coded risk scale.
The health ministry has launched an '#I wear a mask' campaign, pleading with Iranians to observe guidelines aimed at curbing infections.
One Iranian is infected with Covid-19 every 33 seconds and one dies from the disease every 13 minutes, Harirchi said.
