Iran begins lifting Covid-19 lockdown, eases restriction even as cases rise

Iran began reopening government offices on Saturday after a brief nationwide lockdown to help contain the worst coronavirus outbreak in the Middle East, which has killed more than 4,300 people in the country.

Authorities had ordered most government agencies and all non-essential businesses to remain closed for a week after the Nowruz holiday ended on April 4.

Government offices outside the capital, Tehran, reopened on Saturday with two-thirds of employees coming in while the rest are working from home, state media reported.

Women who have young children were given priority in deciding who works remotely. Businesses outside the capital were