Iran has extended furloughs for prisoners for another month, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said, as the country endeavours to stem the spread of the new coronavirus in its crowded jails.

Reuters quoted Rouhani as saying that mosques and holy sites in Iran would remain closed until at least May 4, as the Middle East’s worst-hit country tries to contain the fast-spreading outbreak.

“Mosques and religious centres will remain closed for the next two weeks. Decisions on gatherings during Ramazan will be taken next week,” Rouhani said.