Iran renews virus warning as ‘low risk’ activities re-start

President Hassan Rouhani urged Iranians to continue to respect measures to guard against the new coronavirus as "low-risk" business activities resumed in most of the country on Saturday, state news agency IRNA reported.

So-called low-risk businesses - including many shops, factories and workshops - resumed operations across the country, with the exception of the capital Tehran, where they will re-open from April 18.

"Easing restrictions does not mean ignoring health protocols ... Social distancing and other health protocols should be respected seriously by people," Rouhani was quoted saying.