Since Iran announced the first case of the COVID-19 in the country on Feb. 19, the number of new infections and deaths have surged. There were 15 newly confirmed cases and 3 deaths reported by the Health Ministry of Iran on Sunday. The overall confirmed cases in Iran had reached 43 by Sunday, and eight people had died of the disease.

Iranian citizens wear protective masks as they walk on the streets of Tehran. (Photos: Xinhua)

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday issued an order to form a national headquarters to cope with the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in the country, state TV reported.

Iranian citizens wear protective masks in Tehran.

The pedestrian volume greatly decreased in Tehran and the customer volume has been reduced by almost half in malls and restaurants.

A notice that medical supplies are short is posted on the door of a pharmacy in Tehran.

Iran suffers from the lack of daily necessities, especially medical supplies, because of the long-term unilateral sanctions imposed by the US government.

Most sellers at a pharmacy in Tehran, Iran wear no protective masks.

Iranian citizens wear protective masks as they walk on the streets of Tehran.

Some Iranian citizens wear protective masks at the subway entrance in Tehran.

(Compiled by Han Yuzhen)