Coronavirus: Israel and Iran wind back lockdowns

Iran has allowed some businesses in the capital and nearby towns to re-open. Israel also announced an easing of its lockdown.

Customers shop for cosmetics at the Grand Bazaar market in Tehran on Saturday, Picture: AFP

Iran allowed some businesses in the capital and nearby towns to reopen after weeks of lockdown aimed at containing the worst coronavirus outbreak in the Middle East.

Israel also announced an easing of its own lockdown measures from Sunday.

Iran was slow to respond to the pandemic and held off on imposing widespread restrictions even after other countries in the region with far fewer cases forced most businesses to close.

Iran had as of Sunday reported 82,211 cases and 5118 deaths. Gyms, restaurants, shopping malls and Tehran’s grand bazaar will remain closed. Shrines and mosques are also shuttered, and a ban on public gatherings remains in place.

Government offices have reopened with a third of employees working from home, and schools and universities are still closed.

Traffic was heavy in Tehran early on Saturday, the first day of the work week. Authorities allowed businesses outside the capital to reopen a week ago.

Israel has also imposed tight lockdown measures in recent weeks to contain an outbreak, including closures of many businesses, forcing most workers at operating businesses to work from home and bans on public worship and exercise.

In a televised address on Saturday night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the measures had been largely successful and announced plans to begin easing restrictions in the coming days.

He said some small businesses and hi-tech companies would be allowed to reopen, more people could return to their offices, and small public prayers and limited exercise could take place. Special education classes and certain childcare arrangements will resume.

Mr Netanyahu said the measures would be reviewed after two weeks. Depending on their success, restrictions would be further eased at that time.

Israel, which imposed nationwide restrictions and ordered all non-essential businesses to close in mid-March, had as of Sunday 13,362 cases, including 171 deaths.

AP