The outbreak of COVID-19 has continued to spread, and the number of confirmed cases has increased sharply, especially in Iran. As of March 22, the CoronaTracker showed that there are 20,610 confirmed cases and 1,556 deaths. Mohammad Mirmohammadi, a 71-year-old local adviser, was the first local official who died of COVID-19.

Currently, the holy shrines of Imam Reza in Mashhad, Fatima Masumeh in Qom and Shah Abdol-Azim in Tehran were shut until further notice. Besides, arrangements also have been made for suspension of classes and closing of gyms. The public also has been urged to avoid going to public places. 

However, Iran is criticized by other countries for its poor control over the pandemic because Iran only closes key religious sites when the death toll hits 853. Besides, the Iran public's awareness of pandemic prevention was insufficient as they still ignored the appeals of the health department and continued to worship by touching, kissing, as well as even licking the mosque's gate.

Local journalist Masih Alinejed reposted a short video on Twitter. It can be seen from the video that a large number of believers still worship at The Shrine of Hazrat Masumeh in Qom, and some of them lick the gates inside the temple. In the film, a man said "don't worry", and licked the door more times to show no fear of the pandemic. Another believer told people not to be scared by COVID-19 and urging everyone to worship in the mosque. Another child was praised for kissing and licking the decoration in the mosque. 

It is said that the actual situation in Iran may be worse. Some Canadian epidemiologists use mathematical models to estimate that Iran has infected 18,000 people. However, currently, the number of confirmed cases in Iran has exceeded 18,000. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released a list of explanations to solve the doubt of the public. For more information, click part 1 and part 2.