Iran still accepts Shia pilgrims from Pakistan and India arriving to Qom despite coronavirus pandemic

Qom is the eighth largest city in Iran. It lies 125 kilometers by road southwest of Tehran and is the capital of Qom Province. (IRNA)

March 30, 2020

Iran has not stopped accepting pilgrims to the Shia holy city of Qom despite the coronavirus
outbreak in the country, according to a video circulating on social media.

Qom has been the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in Iran, which has killed 2,640 and infected 38,309 people in the country as of Sunday.

A video from the city shared on social media showed travellers getting off several coaches.

“It is unclear where these travellers have come from. They are wearing masks and they are all foreigners,” a man is heard saying.

The travellers are likely Shia pilgrims from Pakistan and India coming to visit the Fatima Masumeh shrine in Qom, according to the video.

Iran closed the Fatima Masumeh shrine as part of the country’s efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus almost a month after acknowledging the outbreak in Qom. The closure of the shrine prompted angry protests in the city.

Al Arabiya