Iran`s Nowruz New Year, typically joyous, haunted by virus
(WorldNews Iran)

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - At this time of year, the meandering arcades and alleys of Tehran`s Grand Bazaar and other markets would usually be filled with shoppers rushing to stock up before the Persian New Year, Nowruz - a major holiday in Iran, when the entire country goes on vacation. Instead, roll-down shutters have closed most shops. Merchants who keep their stores open carefully take cash and debit cards between their index finger and thumb from worried shoppers wearing face masks. The new coronavirus has ravaged Iran, straining its hospitals amid over 17,000 confirmed cases and more than 1,100 deaths. It has also cut into the ancient Nowruz celebration that marks the start of spring and has...