Press TV - Iran plans to reopen sports arenas, universities and mosques in areas which have been consistently free from coronavirus infections.�

Shops, bazaars, and shopping centers have reopened in Iran over the past week as the country eases coronavirus restrictions in many regions. Now with a daily death toll of below 50 in recent days, the government says it also plans to reopen sports arenas, universities and holy shrines after the fasting month of Ramadan and the international Quds Day rallies.

This is while openings in any region could change if people and businesses fail to follow the new strict rules and social distancing guidelines.

Based on the latest decision by the government, next week's rallies in Tehran to mark the annual Quds Day will be held despite the coronavirus outbreak. But to avoid a spread, participants will drive their vehicles to the rallies rather than marching through the streets. The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps will be in charge of organizing the nationwide event.

Mosques have already opened to worshippers and Friday prayers have resumed in parts of the country that are clear, or white, in terms of the COVID-19 outbreak. Also in red and yellow regions, authorities continue to loosen coronavirus restrictions, opening intercity highways, shopping malls and markets. This is while some high-risk businesses including restaurants and gyms remain closed until further notice.

Seeking a balance between protecting public health and shielding the economy, the Iranian government refrained from imposing the kind of wholesale lockdowns seen in many other countries. While infection and death rates are falling, health officials remain concerned that further easing of restrictions may be premature, and driven more by economic rather than health considerations.