Iran's Rouhani calls for mask order to be enforced

People not wearing masks against the novel coronavirus should be refused service in enclosed public spaces, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Saturday, as his government moves to make it obligatory. Addressing the committee in charge of Iran's efforts to stem its virus outbreak -- the deadliest in the Middle East -- Rouhani said that the new order "requires some guarantee that it will be respected". Since late last month, the government has also undertaken a public information campaign, with officials and state television anchors wearing masks on camera to encourage their use.