Iran shuts government offices as tighter coronavirus restrictions are imposed

A vendor sells umbrellas outside closed shops in northern Tehran, Iran (Vahid Salemi/AP)

Iran has announced that all government offices will effectively close and operate with only essential staff in a bid to contain its most widespread wave of coronavirus infection yet.

Starting this Saturday — the first day of Iran’s workweek — state TV said “only those employees who need to be present will be at work” in government offices. Managers will make the call on who must still come to work.