Iran's health system strong, ready for possible escalation in coronavirus cases: Rouhani

As the death toll reaches 2,378 with total confirmed infections at 32,332

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaks during a meeting of the Iranian government task force on the coronavirus, in Tehran, Iran, March 21, 2020. PHOTO: REUTERS

DUBAI:
Iran’s health infrastructure is strong and ready to cope with a possible escalation in coronavirus cases, President Hassan Rouhani said Saturday on state TV.

Iran is among the few countries worldwide severely affected by the pandemic. On Friday, the health ministry reported a death toll of 2,378 and total confirmed infections at 32,332.


Iran started an intercity travel ban a day after Iran’s government spokesperson warned the country might face a second outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

The ban came after officials complained that many Iranians ignored appeals to stay at home and cancel travel plans for the Persian New Year holidays that began on March 20.

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