Thread by @seyyedreza

Tehran, Iran.

It’s been 20+ days under semi-quarantine due to corona.

Schools, theatres, universities, gyms are shut, offices have shortened hours, streets are quiet.

A tour around a city that’s spent the last 3 weeks under Corona’s shadow:

Every day, corona takes a toll.

When you’re quarantined at home, the shrieks or ambulances in the distance are the main reminder.

Schools are taught through TV: each grade has its classes at a different time, and kingside the teacher slides are shown.

This is a science class- they’re discussing recycling.

This guy is discussing tips for long multiplication on the Concur, the national university entrance exam.

I love how in Iran men aren’t afraid to dress in colors- pink, red, purple is a perfectly suitable outfit for teaching math on TV

New works of public art, in the process of being installed across the city on the streets ahead of Persian New Year which starts this week, have stalled.

Face masks have become a common sight across the city.

Signs around town tell people please not to travel over the holiday:

“For the sake of the health of our compatriots, we don’t travel.”

Life is a standstill at what is usually the busiest time of the year, when people go shopping for gifts for Nowruz Persian New Year holiday.

Many stores have shut, either temporarily or permanently.

US sanctions since 2017 inflicted grave damage on economy, destroying ordinary people’s livelihoods.

Corona is trying its hardest to finish the job. And due to US sanctions, Iran has trouble importing medical supplies

In the streets, musicians circulate to keep peoples spirits high

It’s especially beautiful when the musicians come at night

At some stores and pharmacies, they’ve put up bubble wrap to protect employees from corona.

The sign at this pharmacy says “No Masks”- one of many medical supplies facing shortages here, in part due to US sanctions

“For health reasons, please don’t use cash. Use a card.”

It’s especially sad, as Spring is finally here and Persian New Year is around the corner.

Cinemas, closed for weeks, still have posters up for the latest blockbusters

And every night, musicians come again to the streets to fill them with joyful sounds for those who’ve spent all day cooped up at home

Many Iranians spend their time cooking, sharing recipes, trying out new dishes.

What Golrokh Nafisi calls “Quarantine Kitchen”

ajammc.com/2020/03/15/qua…

Posters around town praise the work of brave doctors and nurses, who have given their time and lives over past weeks to protect society under trying conditions.

They say we’ll triumph over corona, and I hope they’re right.

More information about how US sanctions hamper Iran's ability to effectively respond to the Corona pandemic

commondreams.org/views/2020/03/…