Iranians find little to celebrate as spectre of coronavirus hangs over Persian New Year
- Iranians speaking to This Week in Asia see no end to the outbreak, with some forced to change their traditions during a period usually marked by travel
- Protective items and medical supplies are limited, they note, while calling for authorities to impose more stringent measures
“People are living in critical conditions,” said the 32-year-old, whose name was changed to protect his safety. “We have stayed at home for about a month. I know that if I get sick, Iranian hospitals do not have enough equipment.”
There is an eerie calm in the city, which was once bustling with pilgrims, as mosques, shrines, restaurants and many other businesses have shut down. “But some people don’t pay attention to the disease and go out of the house and even travel,” Saber said.
Health officials have urged the public to avoid travel and crowded places, while flights have been slashed. There are also road checkpoints set up to monitor people leaving major cities at a time of the year when most of the country goes on holiday for about two weeks.
But with some ignoring the warnings, four Iranians to whom This Week in Asia spoke and the country’s officials fear what this period may bring.
