MNA � Deputy Coordinator of the Islamic Republic of Iran�s Army, Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, announced that nationwide parades for the National Army Day on April 17 will not be held due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Making the remarks in a press conference in Tehran on Tuesday, he said the Army will instead implement another plan dubbed �parade of service� with the motto of �assistants of health� across the country.

The Army units will start implementing anti-coronavirus measures, including disinfecting public places, distributing sanitary packages in poor neighborhoods, and providing hospital beds from April 8, he said.

Sayyari noted that Army�s main duty is to maintain the defense capability and ensure the country�s security, adding, �The coronavirus outbreak has not affected the defense power of the Army and we have managed to perform our operations in the best shape while adhering to health principles.�

Iranian armed forces have entered the stage of fighting against the outbreak early on by manufacturing necessary equipment and products, establishing field hospitals, and disinfecting cities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has so far infected more than 60,000 Iranians according to Health Ministry on Monday. Over 24,000 patients have recovered while above 3,700 others didn�t survive.