COVID-19 situation in Iran worsens by the hour. Chairman of Tehran Corona Combating Committee predicted even worse days ahead, saying for the first time since the coronavirus epidemic began, all cities across Tehran province are in “red” status. Dr. Zali admitted all hospitals are full and this wave is 4 times faster than the previous ones, exclaiming this is unprecedented and incomparable! Tehran Governor confirmed 6,691 hospitals beds designated to COVID-19 patients in Tehran are all occupied. Videos show even hospital corridors are filled with patients! National Task Force spokesman reiterated those points, adding if this path continues there will be 4-digit deaths in coming days. Dr. Raisi confirmed restrictions are not enforced or followed across Iran. Deputy Health Minister Harirchi, too, warned the situation is going to be beyond red!
Other provinces are not in a better situation. For instance, Fars warns about “black” condition in coming days, Kermanshah reports 35% positivity rate in coronavirus tests, Alborz is back to its black days with full hospitals and erecting field hospitals, Dezful ER is described as a “war zone,” and Ardabil is considered “high risk” all over.
Despite the gloomy circumstances in the country, Islamic Republic Health Minister announced Ramdan Qadr night gatherings will be held “like last year, in all cities.” Saeed Namaki called on mosques to “follow health protocols,” and at the same time admitted last year some areas did not adhere to rules. He also added, Eid Fitr gatherings last year led to new outbreaks in some areas which “if it happens again this year, with the UK strain, it can cause more severe consequences.”
On the other hand, vaccination under Islamic Republic supervision has caused backlash! Secretary General of Home for Nurses accused Saeed Namaki of murdering nurses! Mohammadreza Sharifimoghadam reported 7 nurses have died of COVID-19 in Iran in the past 3 weeks, calling Health Minister out, “We hold him responsible for these deaths. Even if their families don’t file a complaint, he should be held accountable.” He elaborated, even after 2 months since vaccination started in the country, most healthcare staff have not been immunized yet due to terrible supply and distribution of vaccines. Sharifimoghadam said unfair prioritization and distribution of even the few vaccines imported and violations by some private hospitals are reasons for his outrage.
Moreover, Tejarat News reported vaccines could be bought in the black market for 50-60 million Toman! According to their reporter, dealers would arrange for the receiver to go to hospitals to receive a shot. There have been other incidents where healthcare workers didn’t know people standing in line for vaccination of healthcare staff in a hospital! Spokesman for Iran Medical Board confirmed the report, saying “this rarely happens.” Dr. Kermanpour said sometimes to not waste doses, they might give it somebody out of turn! It is worth noting, less than 0.2% of Iran population have been inoculated so far.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Health Spokesperson continues to present her daily manipulated numbers and issue warnings which fall on deaf ears! Iran Medical Board officials have admitted the real figures are at least 3 times higher. Sima Sadat Lari claimed 274 died of COVID-19 in Iran in the past 24 hours while 23,311 tested positive for the novel coronavirus. That is a record for daily cases in the past 14 months. Daily PCR testing remains in the same 96,000 range, while critical cases continue to rise. Active cases reach a new high, as seen on the graphs.
R0: 3.81
Total: 2,093,452 (+23,311)
Dead: 64,764 (+274)
Recovered: 1,720,084
Critical: 4,440 (+48)
Active Cases: 308,604 (+13,927)
Tests: 13,770,167 (16.5% of the population, assuming each test was performed on 1 person)
Cover: Mohammadreza Abbasi
