Iranian President vows to beef up coronavirus-related restrictions amid surge in cases

Tehran [Iran], September 26 (ANI/Sputnik): Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has ordered for a toughening of the coronavirus-related restrictions, including the introduction of fines for non-compliance, amid the continuous spread of the infection, Iran's government said on Saturday.
Earlier in the day, Rouhani told the Iranian response center that he had instructed the government to put together a special plan of action for countering COVID-19 and adopt a set of penalties for citizens who, specifically, do not wear face masks as prescribed.
"After being approved in the upcoming meeting of the National Coronavirus Headquarters, this plan and pertinent regulations will be put in force first in Greater Tehran and next in other major cities across the country," Rouhani said, as quoted in a press release on the government's website.
The Iranian president also greenlighted local governors to "shut down any places or businesses in their provinces for a week if necessary."
As reported by Iranian state news agency IRNA, as part of the toughened health protocols, all religious activities for the Arba`een holiday -- when Shia Muslims commemorate Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of prophet Muhammad, who was killed in a battle -- will also be canceled.
According to the latest situation report by the Iranian Ministry of Health, close to 440,000 coronavirus cases have been confirmed as of Saturday, including more than 25,000 deaths and almost 370,000 recoveries. (ANI/Sputnik)