Advertisement

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

Reading Time:6 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
An Iranian carpet seller wears a face mask as he waits for customers ahead of Persian New Year, or Nowruz, at the grand bazaar in Tehran, Iran. Photo: EPA
In Qom – the holy city at the centre of the Covid-19 outbreak in Iran, where recent images show large burial pits reportedly for those who have succumbed to the disease – Saber fears for his future and that of his family.
Advertisement

“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.

The novel coronavirus outbreak is straining Iran’s hospitals, as authorities have confirmed over 18,000 cases and more than 1,200 deaths – making it the worst-hit country in the Middle East. The virus’ spread has further slowed the nation’s economy and cut into the Persian New Year celebration, known as Nowruz, which marks the start of spring.

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.

Advertisement

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.

loading
Advertisement