Effects of government policies and the Nowruz holidays on confirmed COVID-19 cases in Iran: An intervention time series analysis

Background Public health policies with varying degrees of restriction have been imposed around the world to prevent spread coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, we aimed evaluate effects implementation government and Nowruz holidays on containment COVID-19 pandemic in Iran, using an intervention time series analysis. Methods Daily data cases registered between February 19 May 2, 2020 were collected from World Health Organization (WHO)’s website. Using modeling, effect two number confirmed evaluated, namely closing schools universities, social distancing measures. Furthermore, as a non-intervention factor for was also analyzed. Results The results showed that, after first intervention, i.e., universities schools, no statistically significant change found new cases. followed by increase (1,872.20; 95% CI, 1,257.60 2,476.79; p<0.001)), while measures decrease such (2,182.80; 1,556.56 2,809.04; p<0.001). Conclusion Iran related cases, respectively. These highlight necessity measuring interventions their future implementations.