Rouhani: Low-risk businesses halted over virus to resume soon

TEHRAN (Agencies): Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday unveiled the new smart social distancing plan, saying this activity will start on Saturday, April 18, and the same health protocols as well as monitoring in this regard must be practiced carefully.

“We asked the advertising committee to prepare plans in this regard and to explain to the people on the radio and television the information that should be given to them,” Rouhani was quoted by President.ir website.

“Starting these activities does not mean that we have violated or forgotten the principle of staying at home, and again those who do not need to be present on the street and in society, are preferred to look after themselves and stay home,” he added.

“Today, we decided to use a step-by-step process to reopen the activities, and it was the suggestion of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education that the activities should begin gradually.”

“Regarding government offices that are currently active, from next week, April 11, their activities will continue with two thirds of their personnel at work and one third will be allowed to stay at home, which will be decided about shifts.”

“A third of the workforce should stay at home unless it is necessary, and here older people and people with fundamental illnesses are emphasized and prioritized.”

“Needless to say, I won’t emphasize again that anyone who has COVID-19 is banned from going to the society, work and gatherings, and must be quarantined at home, in a sanatorium or hospital.”

“We have to bear this in mind, and Dr Namaki [Iranian Health Minister] must announce it clearly and decisively that every laboratory that reaches a positive conclusion about somebody’s coronavirus test is obliged to inform himself, his workplace, and his family.”

“15 to 20 percent may have a problem that needs to be referred to a doctor, some of whom may not need to be hospitalized, and some may need to be treated.”

“Regarding the office working hours, we also approved that from April 11, all those who are working in offices, whether in Tehran of other provinces, will be 7 am to 2 pm.”