Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the restrictions to tackle the coronavirus pandemic must go on even after a nationwide vaccination program.

Addressing a Saturday session of the Coronavirus Fight National Headquarters, Rouhani said the hopes that a vaccine for the coronavirus could become available in the near future should not stop citizens from observing the health protocols.

Compliance with the health measures should not decrease at any rate, he stressed, adding, “Abidance by the health protocols should not decrease in the hope that a vaccine may be developed, and we know that no vaccine is 100% effective.”

Rouhani said relevant measures are enforced depending on how affected an area is. “Any place which is declared as a red, orange or yellow area, we will act in accordance with the protocols again.”

“The restrictions have had positive effects, and this trend (drop in infections) will continue only if people keep wearing masks, do not hold gatherings and minimize travel,” he added, IFP reported.

The president further said the number of COVID-19 tests will soon reach 100,000 per day.

He also said the capital, Tehran, is now in an “orange” state, but that it is on the verge of turning “red” again.

“Seven cities are in an ‘ultra-red’ state which is getting worse… We will re-impose the restrictions in any place which is in a red state,” he added.