Raisi said the number of “orange” cities has doubled, though there are no “red” cities in the country at the moment.
Based on a national classification of cities in terms of the severity of and prevalence of the disease, “red” cities are the highest-risk ones followed by “orange” and “yellow” cities respectively.
He urged people to keep observing the health protocols and avoid social gatherings to help contain the spread of the virus.
The official further said that the first batch of COVID-19 vaccines has arrived in the country, adding that vaccination procedures will soon begin based on priorities.
He said a fourth surge of the disease could be warded off with that vaccination to help people have a happy New Year (in March).