Iran President "Concerns Over 5th Major Wave Due to Delta Variant Spread"

Hasan Rouhani (Photo by AP)

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has stated that COVID-19 is showing signs of a resurgence due to the spread of the Delta variant.

According to The Guardian and others, President Rouhani warned on the 3rd (local time) during a COVID-19 countermeasure meeting broadcast on state television that "the spread of the Delta variant, which originated in the southern region, could lead to a fifth major outbreak."

He emphasized, "Cases of Delta variant infections are being reported in many cities," and stressed the need to "halt travel and gatherings to prevent the virus from spreading."

Health authorities have designated more than 90 cities, including the capital Tehran, as 'red alert' zones, the highest severity level for COVID-19, and have banned interregional travel.

In these areas, 70% of workers are working from home, and public facilities such as cinemas and gyms have been closed.

Iran's new COVID-19 cases surged after the 'Nowruz' (New Year holiday) at the end of March. By the end of April, daily cases exceeded 20,000, leading to a fourth major outbreak.

Recently, with 8,000 to 12,000 new daily cases, the country is struggling due to poor medical facilities and a shortage of hospital wards.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.