Call for Plans to Ease Financial Plight of Groups Hit by Pandemic

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has called on state officials and the public to develop relief plans to help alleviate the plight of those who have been financially hit as a consequence of the new coronavirus pandemic. 
"Decisions have been taken in the national headquarters [in the fight against coronavirus] for the weaker groups of society, which I strongly advise to be implemented in the fastest, best and the most comprehensive manner. Of course, people are also responsible for helping the weaker groups," he said during his televised speech on Thursday, marking the birthday anniversary of Imam Mahdi, the last Shia Imam (May God Hasten His Reappearance), Leader.ir reported. 
The global spread of the new coronavirus disease, called COVID-19, has forced affected countries, including Iran, to enforce quarantine regulations and a total or partial shutdown, as a result of which many have lost their jobs and sources of income. 
The Leader called on those who are financially able to initiate extensive activities to help those whose living conditions have worsened due to the safety measures to control the viral outbreak. 
"It is noble that in the holy [fasting] month of Ramadan [to start on April 25], which is the month of charity and sacrifice, a widespread movement be created to sympathize with and help the poor and those in need," he said. 

Exemplary Performance

Ayatollah Khamenei praised the Iranian nation's exemplary performance in the fight against the deadly pandemic, which he described as a "test” facing the entire world.
"The Iranian nation shone brightly in this coronavirus test," he declared.
He said the greatest honor in this battle goes to the entire staff members of Iran's healthcare system, who have placed their own lives at risk to treat COVID-19 patients and rein in the outbreak. 
The Leader commended the efforts of those who voluntarily joined the campaign against the disease as well as the armed forces that spared no effort in providing assistance in the fields of science, construction and production of health and medical protective products. 
Ayatollah Khamenei also hailed the Iranian people for firmly adhering to the guidelines issued by the country's health authorities to stop the viral spread, including skipping the national Nature Day's picnicking ritual on April 1. 
He added that COVID-19 poses a huge problem and a big challenge for humanity, although it is not that immense compared to many other problems witnessed in recent history. 
"In the past, we had a lot of problems in the world and in our country, which were no less critical than this incident," he said, pointing as an example to the chemical weapons used 30 years ago by former Iraqi dictator Saddam, which killed thousands of Iranians. 
Ayatollah Khamenei warned against the plots that the enemies have been constantly hatching against Iran, urging everyone to stay focused on the threat in parallel with efforts to tackle the pandemic.