Iran allows prayer gatherings in areas seen as low coronavirus risk

Friday prayer gatherings resumed in up to 180 Iranian cities and towns seen as only at low risk of coronavirus contagion after a two-month suspension, state media reported.

With mosques still closed and religious gatherings banned, in addition to other restrictions since mid-March, the trajectory of infections has, according to the Health Ministry, is on a “gradual” downward trend in the Islamic Republic.

But there have been spikes of infections in some provinces, such as Khuzestan in the southwest, perhaps because more people are being screened for the COVID-19 respiratory disease, deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi told state television.

“We only tested hospitalised patients in previous months,” he said. “Now, those with fewer signs or those who have been in close contact with infected patients are being tested, and isolated if diagnosed.”