COVID-19 broke daily death tolls in Tehran and Fars. In Tehran, Director of Behesht-e-Zahra (cemetery), reported 150 COVID-19 deaths and 200 non COVID-19 on April 20, breaking 50-year record. Saeed Khal said these numbers are unprecedented even during 8-year war with Iraq. Meanwhile, Eqtesad News published photos of 4-story premade graves in the cemetery. According to officials in Fars, 36 died of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, setting record in the past 14 months.
Chairman of Tehran Corona Combating Committee warns the current restrictions must continue and be enforced strictly. Dr. Zali said there is 38% difference between the recoveries and new admissions, causing overwhelming demand for beds. Kermanshah announced emergency situation in the province and building field hospitals. The only hospital serving Kohgiloyeh and 2 other counties is filled with COVID-19 patients, including corridors! Khorasan Razavi is experiencing increased COVID-19 deaths and “high risk” counties. Mazandaran officials report the same trend. Ahvaz official warns about another peak in Khuzestan after Eid Fitr, just like last year. Islamic Republic Health Minister has allowed all gatherings during Ramadan.
In the meantime, Islamic Republic officials continue their empty promises about domestic vaccination! Health Minister’s representative in vaccination program, his spokesperson, head of scientific subcommittee of National Task Force, simultaneously said by summer, homegrown vaccines and collaborated vaccines with Australia, Cuba, and Russian will start their mass productions and general population vaccination will begin. Today, the Cuban and COVIran Barekat announced the start of their third phase of clinical trials as well.
On the other hand, recent talks about pricey vaccines entering the country continues by Hassan Rouhani. He emphasized there is nothing wrong with private companies using subsidized currency to import vaccines and whoever can afford their prices, take it! He even said one of these companies has been successful in securing a 6million-dose contract. Rouhani did not offer any more details on the name of the company or the vaccine.
In response, Minoo Mohraz, a member of National Task Force, said paid vaccine is not practical and Iran would be the first country to stoop to that level! She emphasized the poor must be top priority, not the wealthy, because they are the ones using public transportation and cannot afford to stay home. In the meantime, a representative at Islamic Consultative Assembly, stated the government is trying to distract people from its mistakes causing the fourth wave of coronavirus by bringing up the private companies importing vaccine. He confirmed our black-market reports, saying Pfizer is sold for 10,000,000 Toman, even though Khamenei had banned its use!
Islamic Republic Health Minister described himself as a “weatherman” sitting in a room predicting coronavirus waves! Despite Saeed Namaki continuous praising of himself and his vision, a piece in a daily newspaper took a jab at Namaki demanding action instead of talking. It reads: “People are furious at the deflections, projections, empty promises, flattery, slander, and in general too much talks by you officials.”
Ministry of Health Spokesperson presented her daily manipulated data, claiming 388 died of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours in Iran while 24,886 tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Iran Medical Council officials believe the real numbers are at least 3 times higher. She suspiciously blurted out there is no other coronavirus variant discovered in Iran other than the UK one. She also announced 641,202 shots have been administered since February 9 while only 143,784 (0.17% of Iran population) are fully vaccinated. Active cases continue to reach a new high every day, as seen on the graphs.
R0: 3.82
Total: 2,311,813 (+24,886)
Dead: 67,913 (+388)
Recovered: 1,823,958
Critical: 4,991 (+80)
Active Cases: 419,942 (+11,071)
Tests: 14,739,719 (17.5% of the population, assuming each test was performed on 1 person)
Cover: Pejman Ganjipour – Isfahan field hospital, where IRGC organized crowded funeral of Hejazi
